PSC to rally government agencies for SEAG hosting

TAKING its cue from the memorandum circular issued by the Office of the President, the Philippine Sports Commission through Chairman William Ramirez will sit down with Secretaries and representatives of different government agencies to firm-up partnerships for the country’s 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) hosting, November of this year.

“Being the government’s sports agency, we are expected to take lead in coordinating with other government agencies being referred to in the circular,” said Ramirez referring to Memorandum Circular #56 from the Office of the President, directing all departments, bureaus, agencies and instrumentalities of government to “render full support and assistance to the organization of the said event.

Ramirez disclosed that they are now preparing for a coordination meeting on the second week of this month to discuss concerns or issues which may be addressed by concerned offices, like security, facilities, waste management, traffic management, health security measures, and budget.

PSC has already initiated reaching out to other agencies even before the MC was issued, but is now heartened that their efforts are now substantiated with this directive.

“PSC staff have been working with PHISGOC (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee) to guide them on certain matters, especially with the responsibility of managing the budget falling on our lap,” explained the sports chief. He has earlier promised that the PSC will diligently oversee and supervise spending for this hosting to “keep consistent to all existing laws and regulations.” This edition is touted to bring the presentation of the SEAG to a higher level and leave a higher benchmark in different aspects of games organization.

PHISGOC has earlier announced 56 sports to be included in the 30th SEAG calendar.

Ramirez co-chairs the PHISGOC with Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas. Former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano sits as presiding chairman of the organizing committee.