PSC, POC & PHISGOC sign tripartite agreement for SEAG

Aligned with the theme, “We Win as One”, the tripartite agreement for the 30th Southeast Asian Games hosting was formally signed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William I. Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham N. Tolentino and Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizational Committee Inc.(PHISGOC) President and COO Ramon Suzara on Wednesday at the PSC Conference Room in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila.

“It’s always beautiful and positive to think of a strong collective activity among people and whatever transpired in the past is part of a journey and that makes it historic because despite the conditions, the time, and many other factors, I know that we take good care of the athletes, the heart and soul Southeast Asian Games. We just might be able to deliver a miracle for the Southeast Asian Games.” said Ramirez, who is also the Chef-de-Mission of Team Philippines for the 30th SEA Games.

CDM Ramirez also believes that this is the time to put all that has happened in the past behind, “I don’t look at today as a very tight situation for the Southeast Asian Games. Oo, nangyari yung delayed na pera, nangyari yung ibang mga problema pero I think, those taught us lessons that we have to work together. And for this spirit, let us march together and let us follow the order of the President.” added Ramirez.

Meanwhile, newly-elect POC Chief Tolentino supported Ramirez in his statement, “Finally, finally! Tama po yung sinabi ni Chairman (Ramirez) na medyo late ng konti but still this is the day. We are now ready not only for the 30th Southeast Asian Games but including of course the 2020 ASEAN Para Games. This 30th Southeast Asian Games is also the beginning and there is still the challenge of going to the Tokyo Olympics.” said Tolentino.

As the local Olympic body, the POC, on the other hand will coordinate with and ensure the autonomy of all National Sports Associations regarding the competition requirements in their respective events for the 30th SEA Games and is tasked to monitor and oversee PHISGOC’s preparation, organization and winding-up of the 30th SEA Games.

PHISGOC will primarily be responsible for the actual preparations, organization, management and execution of the hosting of the 30th SEA Games from November 30 to December 11, this year.

“This is now a historic day for us although as I said from the beginning, it has always been a tripartite collaboration between the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and PHISGOC. Again, officially, in front of you, this is a historic day for us and we should move forward in the coming days since we only have barely 4 months to go before the first day of the Southeast Asian Games.” said Suzara in his speech.

Based on the tripartite agreement, the PSC, as the funding sports arm of the country, will continue its job of providing financial support to the PHISGOC pursuant to the General Appropriations Act of 2019, will extend its full assistance through the deployment of necessary manpower, including the provision of salaries and compensation of PHISGOC personnel and will provide other forms of necessary support to PHISGOC, consistent with the mandate of the PSC.

“I would like everybody, PSC, POC and PHISGOC to take to heart this order of the President. Malaki yung ginastos ng gobyerno so aalagaan po namin itong tatlo!” exclaimed Ramirez.