Phisgoc: SEA Games issues ‘resolved’

Phisgoc COO Tats Suzara, POC Bambol Tolentino and SEA Games executive chef Bruce Lim at a press conference at World Trade Center.

MANILA, Philippines—The organizers of the Philippines’ Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday assured that the concerns raised by several participating countries have been ironed out.

Ramon “Tats” Suzara, chief operating officer of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), said the issues on unfinished venues, food, logistics, and accommodation have all been dealt with days before the SEA Games’ formal opening at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“Two days ago we had a chef de mission meeting, the first one here, and we tackled all the issues, the complaints, the requests and problems of the chef de mission and we have resolved everything,” Suzara said Wednesday in a press conference.

The SEA Games got off to a rough start as a number of countries complained of logistical issues upon their athletes’ arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport over the weekend.

Food and lodging problems, as well as the makeshift press center at Rizal Memorial at the start of the football competitions, also surfaced as Phisgoc drew flak from netizens and the media.

“We want to put a rest on this. This is very normal. All of the athletes, you media, always before the opening ceremony there are a lot of adjustments not only here but also in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia. There are a lot of Games that you wait two hours, three hours in the airport so let’s help each other,” Suzara said.

Amid criticisms, Suzara urged the Filipino media to focus on “positive” stories instead.

“I’m appealing to you, to your colleagues to make stories that are very positive for our athletes. We are here to support our athletes, our government, our organizing committee, PSC and POC. Let’s help our athletes win. We are looking to target the overall for this SEA Games.”