Philippine Sports Commission looking at 24-hour food service for athletes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission wants to make sure that the Filipino athletes are well-fed and properly nourished as they prepare for the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in August.

Chairman William Ramirez said he wants the 24-hour food service for national athletes staying in the different training quarters fully operational in two months.

“It’s long overdue,” said Ramirez.

Athletes billeted at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, Philsports in Pasig and Teachers Camp in Baguio will fully benefit from the service to be provided by the PSC.

The PSC had originally intended to tap an official caterer but decided otherwise. Instead, the PSC will hire an executive chef for each of the training centers.

But while enjoying the services for free, the PSC will not take away the P5,000 monthly food allowances of the athletes.

“They can keep it (money),” said Ramirez.

This year’s Asian Games is just four months away, and as the athletes go full blast in training, they must be fed well.

Ramirez said once operational, the athletes will enjoy round-the-clock food service – but under the supervision of a nutritionist.

“We were worried that the athletes may become overweight. They will still be monitored,” said Ramirez.

President Duterte, according to the PSC chairman, himself wanted to make sure that the national athletes are provided everything they need on the dining table.

“Pakainin mo ang mga bata (Feed them),” said Ramirez of the President’s order.