SEAGF welcomes Philippines decision to host ’19 Games

KUALA LUMPUR – The Southeast Asian Games Federation welcomed the Philippines’ decision to push through with its hosting of the 30th edition of the biennial meet.

“We’re happy that the POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) had met with officials from their government to discuss and confirm to us that they are hosting the 2019 SEA Games,” said SEAGF council chair Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanki Jaafar in a statement posted on the Malaysia SEAG website.

The Philippines’ hosting of the 11-nation joust was earlier put in jeopardy after the government initially withdrew its commitment in the light of the crisis in Marawi and rehabilitation efforts that follow.

But eventually, the government reconsidered and got back on board with Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano coming in as chairman of the organizing committee.

“Essentially, the Philippines has never pulled out. The Olympic Council of Malaysia has always assumed that the Philippines will take over the baton of hosting the SEA Games; it’s just that we had to wait for the final confirmation,” said Imran.

To wide applause, POC president Peping Cojuangco officially confirmed the acceptance of the hosting chores during the SEAGF council meeting that preceded the opening of the Malaysia SEAG.

”We had an agreement with the officials of the Philippines government, which is the Secretary of the Foreign Affairs, that we will proceed with the hosting of the 30th SEA Games,” said Cojuangco.

The SEAGF assured member countries of security and safety in the Phl SEAG, especially with full backing of President Duterte.

“Marawi is very far from the proposed places and venues of the next SEA Games. And we were also assured that Cojuangco, who is next SEA Games chairman, himself will receive the flag at the handing over of the Games flag during the closing ceremony of the 2017 Games on Aug 30,” said Imran.

Cojuangco said provinces in Central Luzon are being eyed as hub for the 2019 meet.

“I have suggested to hold the events in three provinces to avoid the traffic congestion in Manila, namely Bulacan, Pampanga and Zambales, for the convenience of our visitors and guests during the SEA Games. There is also a newly constructed stadium, Philippine Arena which might be used as one of the event venues as well,” said Cojuangco.