CebuSoc grand launching today

The grand launching of the Southeast Asian Games and the formal presentation of the Cebu Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (CebuSoc) will kick off 10 a.m. today at the Capitol Provincial Hall.

Also happening today is the turn-over ceremony of the P10 million assistance from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for Cebu's co-hosting of six events in the SEA Games set later this year.

In behalf of Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHILSOC), Philippine Sports Commission chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, Commissioner Ritchie Gracia and Bacolod City representative Monico Puentevella will hand over the assistance.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping" Cojuanco, who is also one of the top officials of (PHILSOC) begged off as he will be celebrating his birthday today.

Set to accept the financial assistance are Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Rep. Red Durano in behalf of Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and CebuSOC officials led by its chairman Jonathan Guardo.

Department of Tourism secretary Ace Durano, who was earlier reported to attend today's launching, could not make it too as he had to fly for Japan already.

Before leaving for Japan, CebuSOC received one good news from Secretary Durano as he already approved in principle the P500,000 additional funding for the co-hosting, said CebuSoc vice-chairperson Cheryl Ouano.

To add glitter to the ceremonies will be a demonstration by the members of the national team of all the events to be contested here namely dancesport, sepak takraw, karate-do, judo, mountainbike and pencak silat.

There will also be presentations prepared by different dance troupes here. A budget of close to P150,000 is being allocated for the event.