- The Albay government said that it would like to host several events during the 2019 SEA Games
- Gov. Joey Salceda said that hosting sports events will help boost local tourism
- The province recently alloted P400 million for this year’s Palarong Pambansa
The Provincial Government of Albay is looking forward to hosting several events of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019; following its successful organization of this year’s Palarong Pambansa [National Games].
In an article written by Joey Villar for Philippine Star on April 18, 2016, it was disclosed that Gov. Joey Salceda is optimistic that it will be able to contribute to the success of the regional continental sports event.
“If they give us athletics and swimming, why not. We also like archery or any outdoor sport because of the Mayon Volcano being your backdrop,” Salceda said; adding that such activities will help boost local tourism.
Last week, the province of Albay allocated P400 million for the sports competition facilitated by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The event was dominated by students from the National Capital Region (NCR), who received a total of 104 gold medals; securing the championship title for the twelfth consecutive year.
In July 2015, the PSC announced that the the Philippines will be hosting the SEA Games for the fourth time in 2019, after Brunei Darussalam backed out due to “financial and logistical reasons.“
The commission also said that while most of the games will be held in Metro Manila, it will be seeking the help of other local government units (LGUs) in hosting some of the events.
Among the suggested venues are the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, and the Subic Freeport Zone in Zambales.
“We have to maximize the opportunity of using sports to spread tourism someplace else outside Manila,” Salceda said; hoping that the PSC will also consider Albay among the possible venues.
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