SEAGAMES PREP. Chef de Mission William Ramirez addresses fellow sports leaders during the coordination meeting as part of the Philippine team’s preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday (Sept. 13, 2019). The Philippines will be hosting the biennial meet for the fourth time from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year. (Photo courtesy of PSC)
MANILA – Chef de Mission William Ramirez has trimmed further the rough edges on procurement procedures for equipment vital not only to the successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games but as equally important for Team Philippines bid to emerge as overall champion.
During the fourth major coordination meeting held by the Team Chef de Mission at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, Ramirez reiterated the full support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which he chairs, for all 56 sports on the SEA Games program.
“Tell us your problems and let’s get them solutions,” Ramirez told national sports association (NSA) presidents and secretary-generals and competition managers.
“Let’s resolve all issues today and make sure we smoothly host the games,” he added.
Ramirez was not alone in addressing the assembly, a guarantee that everyone in Philippine sports hierarchy were fully behind the Games.
Present were Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino and Chairman Steve Hontiveros, PSC Commissioners Charles Maxey and Celia Kiram, Deputy Chef de Mission Stephen Fernandez and Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Executive Director Tom Carrasco.
“This [gathering] will be a test of leadership of Filipino sports leaders. This will be a challenge. Today we are not PSC, POC or Phisgoc. We are all Team Philippines” Ramirez said.
Further cementing support to Team Philippines was Phisgoc chairman, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who emphasized that solidarity among the PSC, POC and Phisgoc has become unbreakable.
"We have had three presidents of POC and I know, again, it's not easy. But right now, then on November 30, dalawa lang naman choice natin (we have only 2 choices) --- work together and be successful, or not work together and be unsuccessful," Cayetano said.
Phisgoc functional areas on ticketing, accommodation, venues, transportation, logistics and sports briefed the assembly on developments toward the Games that will kick off in two and a half months from November 30 to December 11.
Following discussions on the progress of work for the Games hosting, minor hitches on completion of venue requirements at least in weightlifting, squash, kickboxing, skateboard and obstacle sports were addressed.
Cayetano, meanwhile, bared that the Phisgoc Executive Board will appoint its own point person to help hasten procurement of vital equipment. The board is led by Cayetano, Tolentino and Ramirez. (PR)
