Butch: SEA Games Federation to decide on city's 2019 hosting
DAVAO City's possible hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019 depends on the SEA Games Federation Council.
This was bared yesterday by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez during yesterday's Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong media forum at the Councilors Lounge, Sangguniang Panlungsod Building.
Ramirez, who is in the city for the Summer Children's Games 2017 set to open on Thursday, said the SEA Games Federation Council has set standards for the hosting.
"If compliant ang (Davao City-UP) sports complex, the city can host three to five events. But the SEA Games Federation has the final say," the PSC chief said, adding that it was Philippine Olympic Commitee's idea for Davao City to host the bi-ennial Games in 2019.
Thus, PSC sent an inspection team to scout possible venues for the SEA Games hosting here last year and the SMX Convention Center was cited as a venue for one sport aside from the Davao City-UP Sports Complex that is still being constructed.
The inspection team also went to Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City and saw that it has the facilities to host few SEA Games events but lack of accommodations was one setback that was raised.
Ramirez, however, added, "If Davao is not yet ready, (Metro) Manila is ready to host as it also hosted the SEA Games in 2015."
Meanwhile, Ramirez said Davao City's possible hosting of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa must emanate from the local government unit.
"The city (government) should express its desire to host the Palaro and being part of the Palaro Board, we will deliberate on the merits of Davao hosting it," he said.
He also said that since Davao City has not yet hosted the Palarong Pambansa, it would be easy to convince the Palaro Board to give the rights to the city. MSLA