PhilSoc pledges to help CebuSoc

The Cebu Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee officials were grinning from ear-to-ear after what was described by Cebusoc chairman Jonathan L. Guardo as a "productive" meeting with top honchos of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PhilSoc), Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Guardo, together with CebuSoc members Cheryl Ouano (Mandaue City), Oscar "Boying" Rodriguez, Jr. (Danao City) and Allan Torrevillas (Cebu City), went in full force to Manila yesterday morning and met with Philsoc COO and POC president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco and PSC chairman William "Butch" Ramirez.

Also present during the two-hour conference at the PhilSoc office located inside the Philippine International Convention Center along Roxas Boulevard were Robert Aventajado and Steve Hontiveros of the POC, PSC Commissioner Ritchie Garcia and Bacolod City Rep. Monico O. Puentevella.

Guardo said the meeting was generally successful and that the PhilSoc officials assured their full support to CebuSoc in coming up with the P10 million financial assistance they asked from the government.

"Generally, it was a very productive meeting. We have already sent a letter to Malacañang requesting for a P10 million financial assistance and the PhilSoc officials assured us that they will help us with our request," said Guardo.

Guardo said that during the meeting, Puentevella admitted that there is indeed a financial aid intended for the renovation of facilities and equipment of the different venues in Bacolod City that will be used in the 23rd SEA Games, but the Bacolod solon clarified the money comes from the national government and not from PhilSoc.

"Monico (Puentevella) admitted it's true that there's a financial assistance given to Bacolod City, but it came from the national government and not from PhilSoc. PhilSoc has no money so if Cebu could get financial support, it will come from Malacañang," said Guardo.

Guardo, on the other hand, divulged that Puentevella and Garcia have been designated by PhilSoc to oversee the preparations being undertaken by Cebu and Bacolod as satellite venues of the biennial sports conclave set from November 27 to December 5.

"So if we have problems or other concerns, everything will be directed to Puentevella and Garcia," said Guardo.

For her part, CebuSoc member Cheryl Ouano, who is also the Mandaue City Sports and Development Commission chairperson, is very elated that their gripes and other concerns have already been heared by PhilSoc.

"I'm happy that everything is now clear and already settled. Hopefully, PhilSoc will help us. As I've said earlier, we're not after of the money because the LGUs can afford to shoulder the expenses of the delegates. What we're trying to drive out is for the concerned agency to be fair in allocating financial support," said Ouano.