PH’s SEAG performance worth the investment — PSC chairman Butch Ramirez

By Kristel Satumbaga

Philippine Sports Commission Butch Ramirez is already satisfied with Team PH’s current performance as the 30^th Southeast Asian Games reaches halfway through the competition.

At press time, the Filipinos have reaped 68 gold, 51 silver and 42 bronze medals with medal-rich sports still scheduled at the second half of the meet.

“I’m very happy with the results. It was worth investing P1 billion for foreign exposures and acquire sports equipment and providing them P25,000 meals for every athlete and medal and sports medicine provisions,” Ramirez said.

He added “the national sports association presidents and secretary-generals were on target”, praying that the country can duplicate its overall championship feat in the 2005 Manila edition.

In that 23^rd edition, the Filipinos collected 112 gold, 85 silver and 93 bronze medals.

The PH team went off to a hot start with a 23-gold haul on the first day alone, before surpassing its 23-gold production at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur edition on the second day.

Credit goes to arnis for grabbing 14 gold medals and dancesport with 10.

Ramirez thinks the country’s SEAG hosting is “meaningful and exciting,” citing the reception of the people.

“SEA Games is not only about medals; it’s about the Filipino people, culture, history and our hospitality. Life skills of our athletes alike, and the legacy to live by,” he said.

“The medals and the championship is just a bonus.”

Source: Manila Bulletin