CebuSoc needs additional P2 million budget

The Cebu Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (CebuSoc) will have to raise an additional P2 million in reference to its co-hosting chores in the 23rd SEA Games set from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5.

CebuSoc chairman Jonathan L. Guardo added that aside from that, they will also increase the number of volunteers from 1,000 to 4,000 to ensure a smooth and successful hosting of six SEA Games events that include dancesport, karatedo, judo, pencak silat, mountainbike and sepak takraw.

Recently, the national government allocated P10 million for Cebu, bringing CebuSoc's treasury to a total P13.5M, with the P3m being pledged earlier by the Cebu City Government. The Cebu Province has assured CebuSoc of a P500,000 financial aid.

But Guardo said they still need P2 million for the operation exepenses during the Games proper.

"We need many liaison officers and security. Also, we have to count the dancers as well as the volunteers," said Guardo.

"The good thing is that Governor Gwen Garcia is willing to help us. Hopefully, we can generate more money from the private sector. So medyo dili na kaayo labad sa ulo," said Guardo.

On the other hand, Guardo divluged that around 1,000 invividuals have already signified their intention to serve a volunteers in the biennial sports conclave.

Those who are interested to become volunteers can log on at www.cebuseagames.com

Meanwhile, the Philippine Karatedo Federation, led by rookie sensation Gerardo Rodrigo Anonas, won five gold medals to finish second overall in the recently concluded Asian Karatedo Invitational Championship in Hong Kong.