Flag-raising rites to welcome nations

A simple but lively flag-raising program formally welcoming the delegates to the 23rd Philippine Southeast Asian Games is set this morning right in front of the Rizal Park.

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, the chef de mission of Team Philippines, will be around to receive athletes, officials, ambassadors and other diplomatic executives representing the 11-competing nations in the week-long sportsfest.

Members of the SEA Games Federation Council (SEAGFC) and the chefs de mission of Brunei, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are also expected to attend the program serving as one of the highlights of the biennial meet.

"The flag-raising event is a special part of the SEA Games since it symbolizes that all the member countries have already arrived and are ready to do battle," said Mario Tanchanco, head of the liaison and protocol group of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc).

Philsoc chief executive officer (CEO) Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr., Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative to the country Frank Elizalde and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza will also be in attendance.

The event starts at 9 a.m.

Mayor Atienza is going to give the key of the city to the different chefs de mission before Cojuangco delivers program’s opening message.

To acknowledge the welcome address of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president in behalf of the rest of the delegation is the representative of Thailand, Chiang Mai being the next host of the 2007 SEA Games.

The event winds up with a gift giving to be presided by Arroyo.

A live band has been tapped to play the national anthem of each country just as their respective flags are being raised.