“We are 100% ready. Now the challenge is the day-to-day,” Cayetano told reporters in the conducted inspection of the facilities in New Clark City. As chairperson of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, Cayetano is heavily involved in ensuring every aspect of the event – from arrival of athletes to the awarding ceremonies – run smoothly and as planned.
Developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Php 13-million sports hub is part of the National Government Administrative Center in Capas, Tarlac. The sports hub which could seat 20,000 people and the aquatic center that boasts an Olympic-sized pool which displays Filipino craftsmanship were among the sites inspected by Cayetano and Senator Bong Go who is chairperson of the senate committee on sports.
“I’m hopeful. Very much hopeful ako, not only with the kind of facilities we have right now but with the support of the Filipino people,” Senator Go said in an interview.
The 2019 SEA Games which is in its 30th edition will be held in various venues in the country such as the Rizal Stadium in Manila. Official data show that there would be 530 events across 56 sports that would be conducted in 44 venues. There would be 10 participating countries that would send a combined delegation of around 12,000 athletes and coaches, 1,000 members of foreign and local media, and 15,000 volunteers.
Cayetano said that the committee are considering options such as the suspension of work and classes around the venues of the events to manage traffic.
The 30th SEA Games opening ceremony will be held the the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
