MANILA (18 August 2017) – The Philippines will hosts 30th SEA Games in 2019 after all – turning back an earlier decision by the government in July to pullout from hosting the biennial games.
The Philippines Olympic Council (POC) president Jose Conjuango Jr confirmed the latest developments after attending the Sea Games Federation (SEAGF) meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
“We discussed the matter with the Philippines Sports Council and the Foreign Affairs secretary (Alan Peter Cayetano),” said Conjuango after the SEAGF meeting at Hotel Mandarin.
Conjuango revealed that among the reasons for change of heart by the government was that the area of conflict in Marawi in the southern region of Mindanoa is far from the capital city of Manila, the main venue of the games.
POC have also taken steps spread out the games to other venues to avoid traffic jams in Manila.
“To avoid major traffic games in Manila during the games we have identified two or three other venues to play host,” added Conjuango and named Pamanga, Bulacan and Zambalas as the other venues.
Philippines last hosted the Sea Games in 2005 and were overall champions with 113 gold medals.
