Contingency measures in place

MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) yesterday reiterated that it has detailed contingency plans in case of disruption to the games with Typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy) forecasted to hit the county this weekend.

“We are ready for this and we need to brace for this storm,” said PHISGOC chief operating officer Tats Suzara on the eve of the grand opening of the 30th SEA Games at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. “All competition managers and technical delegates should prepare in case the competitions are cancelled even for a few hours or in one day.”

According to PAGASA, the typhoon will enter the Philippine territory by Saturday or early Sunday and is expected to bring rains over parts of Luzon, including the southern portion of the region which hosts some venues of the SEA Games, on Sunday until Wednesday.

In case of such disturbances, Suzara said competition format would be changed to make sure that the schedule is not interrupted.

The 12-day sporting meet will end on Dec. 11 and won’t be extended even if some games would be postponed or cancelled due to the weather condition.

“Normally in some sports, the games are not cancelled, but the public are not allowed to watch. The competition continues as long as there is power, but no spectators,” he said.

Suzara said guidelines are in place for the delay or cancellation of competition in case of force majeure according to the regulations of the International Federations.

Meanwhile, Suzara also addressed concerns over the SEA Games cauldron, which is supposed to remain lit for the duration of the meet as a symbol of continuity, saying it can withstand rains barring severe weather disturbances.