PH Aquatics lauds Malacañang support

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine aquatics community is now abuzz with excitement following the recent Presidential declaration of support for the country’s hosting of the 11th Asian Age-Group Championships, with the organizing Philippine Aquatics Inc. hailing it as “the buoy that saves the success” of the event slated Feb. 26 to March 9 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas City, Tarlac.

“And just like that, we’re off to a very fine sailing start of this first-ever endeavor for the PAI,” said Rep. Eric Buhain of the the 1st District of Batangas and PAI secretary-general. “The whole Philippine aquatics community thanks our beloved President Ferdinand Bong Bong Marcos Jr. for his support.”

Only recently, Malacañang directed all government agencies and instrumentalities to provide necessary assistance to ensure the success of the Philippines’ hosting of the event.

The directive contained in Memorandum Circular (MC) 43, inked by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Jan. 17, covers all government offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations.

It also encourages the private sector to extend support and assistance for the event which is co-organized by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

“The PAI considers that as a clear marching order for us to go all out of our way and host what could be the best-ever Asian Age-Group Championships,” said PAI president Miko Vargas.

Around 1,400 swimmers from across Asia are expected to compete in the tournament.