Palaro may ask GMA for funds

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, this year’s Palarong Pambansa host, will have to ask assistance from President Arroyo if it wants to augment its meager budget of P10 million appropriated by Congress to fund the annual multi-sports meet for high school and elementary students.

Philippine Sports commissioner William "Butch" Ramirez said yesterday that since the allotted Palaro budget is not enough to finance the meet tentatively scheduled from May 4 to 11, Tubod organizers will have to seek assistance from the President.

"The Dimaporos can ask for additional funding from President Arroyo," Ramirez told The STAR referring to Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda and Congressman Abdullah "Bobby" Dimaporo.

"They’ve done it during the time when they hosted the first Mindanao Friendship Games. I’m sure they can do it again because the Palarong Pambansa is bigger in terms of magnitude and participation," he added.

It can be recalled that the PSC through Ramirez made do with the P12 million–P6 million from the agency’s coffers and the other half from President Arroyo’s special funds—to finance the Mindanao Games at the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center two years back.

"Let’s assume the President gives Lanao del Norte P20 million and the Dimaporos cough up maybe P5 to P10 million, add that to the Palaro appropriations worth P10 million, then you’ll have enough budget to fund the Palaro," Ramirez explained.

Aside from the President’s fund, the PSC and Lanao del Norte can also ask for additional funding from the Department of Budget and Management through Secretary Emilia Boncodin.

Ramirez has ruled out the private and business sectors as potential sources since perception on Mindanao is really bad right due mainly to the worsening peace and order situation in the region.

But despite these problems, Ramirez said the Dimaporos are still confident this year’s edition of the Palaro would be a success.

"I’ve just talked to Congressman Dimaporo and sounded really optimistic. He also told me there is nothing to worry about," said Ramirez.