PSC earmarks P3 million for Sering Cup trackfest

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has allocated P3 million in financial support to the Sering Cup International Invitational track and field championships scheduled May 1 to 4 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Chairman Eric Buhain and commissioner Cynthia Carrion of the PSC yesterday said the amount was based on the initial report submitted by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) that more than 40 countries have been invited to participate.

Buhain said the PSC, at first, was willing to spend no more than P2 million for the event honoring former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president, Patafa chairman and Asian Amateur Athletic Association (4 As) founder Jose Sering who passed away last Feb. 14.

However, upon learning of the number of invited countries and its possible impact in terms of tourism, the government sports agency decided to increase the amount to P3 million. The rest of the expenses will be shouldered by private sponsors.

But to avoid a repetition of previous incidents where sports associations allegedly bloated the number of invited countries to an international meet just to get a bigger budget, Buhain offered a quick remedy.

"The Patafa will only get P1.5 (this month) then the rest will come after the staging of the event," said Buhain, explaining that in case of a low turnout in terms of participation, then the money will have to go back to the PSC vault.

"But I hope that Patafa president Go Teng Kok could bring in as many countries that they have invited because it will be good not only for sports but for the country’s tourism aspect as well," said Buhain during the scheduled press briefing at the PSC-POC Media Center.