MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) promises to provide the Southeast Asian Games-bound athletes the best possible resources as the national delegation prepares for the biennial meet in Indonesia in November. PSC Commissioner Chito Loyzaga, the SEA Games chief of mission, said the biennial meet will also serve as a vehicle to strengthen the competition level of the national team in the future.
“The SEAG should be looked not only as a chance to get medals and good results, but also as part of our building program,” said Loyzaga, a former PBA star.
“Dito sa SEAG, na kakaunti lang ang bansa na makakalaban natin, makikita natin if these athletes deserve to be in the future national pool or not.”
He noted that in previous editions of the SEAG, the Philippines appeared not to follow strict guidelines in selecting members of the national team.
This time, he said, the Task Force will religiously and closely monitor the athletes nominated by their respective National Sports Association (NSA) heads to determine if they are truly fit to compete in the event.
Loyzaga said he hopes to see some lineups finalized by June or July.
The selection process will be inclusive, he said, in the sense that all athletes will be given a chance to show their ability.
“Kaya walang criteria dahil binibigyan natin ng chance ang lahat ng atleta na ipakita na deserving silang mag-compete sa SEAG. Pero kung sa huli ay hindi pa rin sila nagdeliver o nangulelat sa kanilang mga events, siguro dun na natin makikita kung deserving pa ba sila sa national team,” Loyzaga said.
Kristel Satumbaga, Manila Bulletin
