Host Iloilo allots P3M for Palaro

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo provincial government has committed P3 million to the Department of Education (DepEd) to help pay for the services of technical officials in the Palarong Pambansa 2005 which kicks off here at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Sunday.

Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. said the provincial government agreed to pay the fees of the technical officials to ease the financial burden on the DepEd and ensure the success of the Palaro which comes back to Iloilo after 14 years.

"The province of Iloilo is just too happy to help the DepEd in putting up the money to defray the costs for the Palaro," Tupas said.

Education Secretary Butch Abad earlier said the national organizing committee of the Palaro still faced a P6 million deficit with less than a week to go before the national meet.

Tupas said he convened the provincial school board and asked for the allocation of P3 million from its surplus in 2004 as the province’s assistance to the Palaro organizing committee.

Tupas also reported that the provincial government has spent nearly P15 million for the repair and refurbishing of the playing venues, particularly the Iloilo Sports Complex and its covered gym.

Mayor Jerry Treñas has ordered the local police to establish police assistance centers at the playing venues and billeting areas to ensure the security of the nearly 8,000 athletes, coaches and officials who have started to arrive here last Tuesday.

Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel "Boy" Mejorada, meanwhile, said all the repair and refurbishing work has been completed and the playing venues are now ready for the week-long competition. — Manuel Mejorada