Additional P205 million sought for Palaro hosting
The executive department of the Cebu City government is requesting an additional P205 million budget for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2024, as it aims to elevate the event and imprint Cebuano trademark.
Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros, the chairman of the Committee on Sports of the City Council, disclosed in an interview yesterday the comprehensive breakdown of the budget that will elevate the facilities during the hosting of the anticipated sports event on July 6-17, 2024.
According to Hontiveros, the budget includes at least P23 million for the installation of LED outdoor field lights. Hontiveros said that its installation will mirror other sports facilities that will light up the venues even at night.
It also includes the construction and installation of a digital and visual LED display that would cost more than P135 million.
The budget proposal also includes the construction of an extension of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCCS) with an allocation of P47 million.
Hontiveros emphasized that the development plans are not included in the P200 million approved budget. According to him, included in the P200 million budget is an allocation to seal a partnership with private hospitals to ensure the safety of the participants.
"A portion ana of course sa mga technical officials especially naa didto sa contract, naa sad ang diha nag rental of playing venues and of course purchase sa atong mga sports equipment kay of course long-term investment man ni sya," said Hontiveros.
The P200 million approved budget also includes the provision of internet availability of the whole venue. It also covers the P4.5 million subsidy for the regional athletic delegations, and P7.2 million for the conduct of the learning convention for the athletes and student leaders.
Further, it also includes more than P11 million in financial assistance for officials; P5 million for food and accommodations for the members of the committee from the central office; and at least P2 million financial subsidy for the schools division of Cebu City to cover meetings and conferences leading to the Palaro.
Aside from these, it also includes P20 million for rental and repair maintenance; P15 million to cover the opening and closer ceremony; P22 million for shower rooms and portalets, which they are hopeful to be utilized during the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) in May; and P18 million for food for all the personnel, tokens and souvenirs, and other significant supplies.
"Ang pinakadako gyud ani is the special events, imagine ang gusto ni Mayor Mike (Rama), a week or two leading to the Palaro, after naa pa gyud tay mga series of event na ato ng i-forward sila sa province kay, mubakasyon man gyud na sila," said Hontiveros.
With this, Hontiveros said that the additional budget proposal will mostly cover the infrastructure developments.
"Imagine a venue na hayag kaayo bisan gabii gani, kay usually gabii, ngitngit man gyud na sya," said Hontiveros.
Hontiveros said that the innovations laid down are aligned with the vision of Mayor Rama to showcase Cebu City’s capability to host a national sports event in the future.
He added that this is an “investment” in infrastructure to also reap the fruits of future hosting and assures that these will be utilized onwards.
“Mao ni ang direction ni Mayor Mike na mag host naman lang gani tag palaro, magpakita ta nga kaya nato mu host og international competition,” said Hontiveros.