POC turns to private firms anew for help in SEA Games drive

MANILA, Philippines – With barely four months left before the competition, the Philippine Olympic Committee will seek the help of the private sector in augmenting the budget of the Philippine Sports Commission for the country’s contingent to the Southeast Asian Games.

POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta said on Monday private sponsors would be tapped to augment the P30-million PSC budget for the Games in Palembang and Jakarta on Nov. 11 to 22.

Based on the PSC’s estimate, its budget can only bankroll a 300-strong delegation.

The 41 national sports associations have submitted to the POC a total of 652 athletes, 146 coaches and officials and 41 team leaders for the 11-nation biennial meet.

Romasanta said POC president Jose “Peping”’ Cojuangco Jr. believed that the extra expenses could be taken care of by the private sector.

“It’s the usual list of well-meaning sponsors,” Romasanta said.

He said the proposed 839-man contingent could still be cut down to a manageable size.