First Gent pledges P10-M for SEAG

The country’s preparations for the Vietnam SEA Games this December got a big boost yesterday after First Gentleman Mike Arroyo promised to allocate P10 million from his own funds to help the national athletes bound for the biennial competition.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit said the First Gentleman made the announcement during the Olympic Day Run along Roxas Blvd. where President Arroyo was special guest. It was the first time the First Couple graced the event.

"It’s a good sign amid all the issues. This should boost the morale of the athletes. And I hope this gesture would encourage more public support," said Dayrit, adding that the First Gentleman will soon give him the details regarding the financial assistance.

Dayrit said he personally thanked the President for her recent move supporting the POC stand to field as many athletes for the coming SEA Games with the main bulk of the funding coming from the Philippine Sports Commission.

Chairman Eric Buhain of the PSC yesterday told The STAR he expects more financial support to come from the President herself just as much as she supported the national athletes in last year’s Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

"I will present to her the POC list (of athletes) by next week. She has put herself 100 percent behind the athletes," said Buhain, adding that the budget for the Vietnam Games will be tackled only after the final list is presented to the President.

Buhain and Dayrit recently had a clash of opinions regarding the number of athletes going to Vietnam. The POC wanted a bigger delegation while the PSC, due to lack of budget, batted for a smaller one.

The President then stepped into the picture and approved the sending of more athletes – numbering close to 500 – to Vietnam. She also called on the POC and the PSC to work hand in hand to ensure a successful stint by the RP bets.

"Nakita ko apektado na ang mga athletes and coaches when they spoke to me last Wednesday. Salamat talaga kay PGMA at mahal niya ang mga athletes. Okay na sila. They can shift their focus back to the SEA Games," Buhain said.

At the height of the POC-PSC controversy, two different committees were formed using two different criteria in determining the composition of the RP team. As of last week, the POC had 361 on its list as compared to the 279 of the PSC.

But with the President now fully behind the athletes, Buhain said it’s time for the POC and the PSC to go back to the drawing board, leave all their differences behind, and look forward to the forthcoming SEA Games.

"I will propose na ibalik na ang POC-PSC Task Force," said Buhain as he looked forward to a meeting with Dayrit on Wednesday.