Cebu set to submit SEAG bid to POC

The Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) is set to submit to the Philippine Olympic Committee a formal letter of intention to bid for the hosting of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games anytime this week.

CCSC chairman Jonathan Guardo said he is finalizing the letter where he cited the capability and the advantages of staging the said biennial meet in the "Queen City of the South" as he hopes the POC and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could direct their eyes to Cebu and consider its burgeoning capacity.

"Cebu could not be far behind in terms of competent sports facilities and venues compared to Manila. We have long studied Cebu’s competence in hosting this international event and we hope to push through with our yearning to put Cebu’s name again in the global arena," said Guardo.

Guardo added that Cebu’s hosting of the event will be a big boost to Cebu’s tourism industry.

It has more than 87 hotels/appartelles and 28 beach resorts such as Waterfront Mactan and Lahug, Marriot Hotel, Cebu Plaza and Shangrila to accommodate the SEAG delegations.

Moreover, the friendly and peaceful ambience of the province will be long remembered by the delegates — thus, will help improve the country’s image as a tourist destination.

The government has put across its goal of spending less for the 2005 SEA Games, thus complimenting Cebu’s "ready sports venues."

"If the administration is emphasizing on spending less for the event, Cebu is highly capable with its existing sports facilities and venues, and the best hotel accommodations and restaurants for the tourist," Guardo explained.

Cebu, among the cities of Pampanga and Bacolod, is one of the serious bidders to convey its utmost goal in hosting the SEAG assessing that the said event will give maximum exposure to the place in terms of tourism and eventually will put its mark again in history.

"Manila has already experienced hosting the SEA games. It is time for the government to give the chance to other competent places like Cebu," he added.