THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission will need about P50 million for the participation of a big Philippine delegation in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore this year.
PSC chair Richie Garcia said the agency’s usual P30-million allocation for the country’s stint in the June 5 to 16 Games will not be enough to fund the participation of at least 500 athletes from 34 sports.
“It will most likely be about P50 million, just for the participation cost alone,” said Garcia.
The proposed amount means a budget of P100,000 for each of the 500 athletes. It will cover air fare, hotel and accommodations, uniforms and allowances.
The P50 million is exclusive of the PSC’s financial support for the training and preparation of athletes.
Gunning for a better finish this time after winding up seventh among 11 countries in 2013 in Burma (Myanmar), the Philippines has submitted the names of 650 athletes to Singapore organizers for accreditation.
“We have sent big delegations before,” said Garcia. “We’ll find ways to accommodate all qualified Filipino athletes.”