MANILA, Philippines – “We have done our part for our Southeast Asian Games athletes.”

So said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez as he clarified at the Senate hearing the issues regarding the preparations made by host Philippines for the 30th Southeast Asian Games slated November 30 to December 11.

Ramirez emphasized the PSC’s role and responsibility to Filipino athletes as well as the role of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), which oversaw the construction of facilities and athletes’ village at New Clark City in Tarlac.

According to Ramirez, the validity of the Tripartite Agreement and with the blessing of President Duterte, the country gained the hosting of the biennial meet and eventual formation of the tripartite body made up of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

“Kami sa PSC, focus kami sa preparation ng ating mga atleta, from training here and abroad hanggang sa equipment, sagot namin ‘yan. Ang mandato namin ay para sa atleta. The POC as the National Olympic Committee (NOC) sila ang nakikipag-usap sa mga counterparts nila from the 11-member nations of SEAG,” said Ramirez in the Senate Hearing.

In terms of venues, the NCC’s main hub and the Rizal Memorial Sports Center in Manila have also been set up and ready for other sports.

“RMSC is ready for the competition. But the NCC will be used for the closing ceremony and competition in multi-event athletics and swimming,” Ramirez said.

A total of 10,000 athletes, officials and personnel are expected to converge in the country for the upcoming regional-biennial meet.

Senator Migs Zubiri for his part, praised the leadership of the PSC, POC and Phisgoc, and believes the outcome of the biennial meet will be a successful hosting.

“I would like to congratulate you in advance for the success of the Games. And also, I would like to say that the venue, the New Clark City, is truly world class. Nakakakilabot kasi may facility na tayo na gaya ng sa Pampanga,” said Zubiri. (Lloyd Tagbago/IAMIGO/CNS)