GMA caps govt SEA Games aid at P300M
By FRANK CALAPRE, The Manila Times Correspondent
President Arroyo announced on Tuesday that the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHILSOC) cannot expect more than the P300 million government support she pledged for the meet, and initiated a major leadership shakeup in the group tasked to oversee the sportsfest.
In a press statement, Arroyo said that government support for the Games would not go beyond the P300-million earmarked for the event set from November 27 to December 5.
The Department of Budget and Management released an initial amount of P100 million two weeks ago while the balance of P200 million is expected to be given in September.
At the same time, Arroyo announced that Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco and Philippine Sports Commission chair William Ramirez were to be PHILSOC’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively.
The decision relegated PHILSOC chairman Roberto Pagdanganan as a mere figurehead, presiding over the meeting of the PHILSOC board.
Arroyo’s announcement came in the wake of her confidential meeting in Malacañan on Monday with Cojuangco, Ramirez and Rep. Monico Puentevella of Bacolod the POC first vice president and weightlifting chief. Pagdanganan was not invited to the meeting.
The President said the success of the country’s third hosting of the Games is a commitment of her government to all 11 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose 5,340 athletes will converge for the total 441 golds at stake in the biennial meet.
"Sports is one of the things everyone can do together, a universal undertaking that can translate into peace, unity and understanding. We Filipinos must forge our identity on these objectives from every point of view and from every different opinion," she said.
Cojuangco said although the President explicitly stated that the DBM would no longer dole out additional money for the Games, PHILSOC could still seek financial help from government agencies.
In appointing Cojuangco as CEO, the President said this was in keeping with an earlier statement she made when she met with former POC president Celso Dayrit that the private sector should take the lead role in the SEA Games preparations.
Arroyo challenged all Filipinos "to come forward and help carry the torch of cooperation and the banner of ‘One Team Philippines.’"
"Each of us must beam with pride that we are being held together by our birthright as Filipinos. We can only fulfill our destiny together—one vision, one mission, Filipinos connecting to another," she said.
Arroyo said Filipinos must take the hosting as an opportunity to showcase the country’s potential in all fronts, particularly in tourism, business, trade and commerce.
"We must all be bound by a common faith that will give us the strength to stay together and share a common ground. The SEA Games will help us go forward, pole-vaulting beyond the people’s expectations," she said
President Arroyo announced on Tuesday that the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHILSOC) cannot expect more than the P300 million government support she pledged for the meet, and initiated a major leadership shakeup in the group tasked to oversee the sportsfest.
In a press statement, Arroyo said that government support for the Games would not go beyond the P300-million earmarked for the event set from November 27 to December 5.
The Department of Budget and Management released an initial amount of P100 million two weeks ago while the balance of P200 million is expected to be given in September.
At the same time, Arroyo announced that Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco and Philippine Sports Commission chair William Ramirez were to be PHILSOC’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively.
The decision relegated PHILSOC chairman Roberto Pagdanganan as a mere figurehead, presiding over the meeting of the PHILSOC board.
Arroyo’s announcement came in the wake of her confidential meeting in Malacañan on Monday with Cojuangco, Ramirez and Rep. Monico Puentevella of Bacolod the POC first vice president and weightlifting chief. Pagdanganan was not invited to the meeting.
The President said the success of the country’s third hosting of the Games is a commitment of her government to all 11 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose 5,340 athletes will converge for the total 441 golds at stake in the biennial meet.
"Sports is one of the things everyone can do together, a universal undertaking that can translate into peace, unity and understanding. We Filipinos must forge our identity on these objectives from every point of view and from every different opinion," she said.
Cojuangco said although the President explicitly stated that the DBM would no longer dole out additional money for the Games, PHILSOC could still seek financial help from government agencies.
In appointing Cojuangco as CEO, the President said this was in keeping with an earlier statement she made when she met with former POC president Celso Dayrit that the private sector should take the lead role in the SEA Games preparations.
Arroyo challenged all Filipinos "to come forward and help carry the torch of cooperation and the banner of ‘One Team Philippines.’"
"Each of us must beam with pride that we are being held together by our birthright as Filipinos. We can only fulfill our destiny together—one vision, one mission, Filipinos connecting to another," she said.
Arroyo said Filipinos must take the hosting as an opportunity to showcase the country’s potential in all fronts, particularly in tourism, business, trade and commerce.
"We must all be bound by a common faith that will give us the strength to stay together and share a common ground. The SEA Games will help us go forward, pole-vaulting beyond the people’s expectations," she said
posted by Anonymous at
7:13 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home