Philsoc may tap government for more funds

The government may have to shell out more than P300 million for the country’s hosting of the 23rd SEA Games just in case the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee fails to raise the needed budget from the private sector.

"If it’s really needed then that will happen," said Philsoc chairman Robert Pagdanganan who graced yesterday’s PSA Forum to update mediamen in the ongoing developments regarding the SEA Games scheduled Nov. 27 to Dec. 5.

"Kung kailangan na talaga tutulong pa ang gobyerno," he said.

The former secretary of tourism, however, said everything is going on well, including the raising of the needed P1 billion to plan and run the Games being hosted by the country only for the third time after 1981 and 1991.

Philsoc expects 70 percent of the budget to come from the private sector and the rest from the government. Those who have heavily contributed to the hosting are Globe, PLDT and the Lucio Tan Group of Companies.

Malacañang, through the budget department, has released P100 million last week. Philsoc expects the next P100 million to come in a couple of weeks and the rest as the Games, expected to draw close to 10,000 athletes, officials from 11 countries, near.

"Things are moving forward despite all these manifestations on our democratic process," said Pagdanganan, who had earlier expressed confidence that the political situation will improve heading into the Games.

He said the public awareness campaign will be in full swing by next month.

"It will be in full swing next month and we will be more actively promoting the SEA Games. We will start focusing on projecting the Games," said Pagdanganan who also holds a Cabinet rank as president of the Philippine International Trade Corp.

Pagdanganan said Philsoc is finalizing the materials to be used in the campaign, including the 30-second ads to be shown on television and similar versions to be aired on the radio. Articles regarding the Games will soon be available in its official website.

"We want to peak at the right time as far as the public awareness campaign is concerned. Mahirap kasi sinimulan ng masyadong maaga and allow it to wane later on. Baka lumabas na banderang kapos tayo," said Pagdanganan.