DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- Around 5,250 student-athletes are expected to compete in Dumaguete City as the city hosts the 12th ASEAN School Games next year.
Department of Education Sec. Leonor Briones and City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo reiterated their commitment for the hosting of the 12th ASEAN School Games after Vietnam.
The said officials agreed to the request for the Philippines to host the event in 2022 subject to adjustments based on the prevailing health situation.
ASEAN Schools Games is an annual sports event featuring over 5,000 student-athletes and other members of the delegations from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia who will compete in athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, volleyball, sepak takraw, table tennis, and basketball.
During the recent coordination meeting between DepEd officials the city government, it was agreed that the hosting of the international sports event shall proceed with an estimated budget of P500 million.
This is to cover additional expenses for health and safety protocols such as quarantine facilities, COVID-19 testing kits, and other health-related interventions.
Underscoring the prestige and benefits that Dumaguete City may reap from hosting the ASEAN Schools Games, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution to express its support and solidarity with the mayor in his efforts to make the upcoming international sports event a success.
The sponsors of the resolution, namely, Vice Mayor Karissa Tolentino-Maxino, Councilors Lilani Ramon, Michael Bandal, Manuel Sagarbarria, Edgar Lentorio Jr., Manuel Patrimonio, Liga ng mga President Dionie Amores and Sangguniang Kabataan President Renz Macion asserted that international sports events will help jumpstart the recovery of the local economy and is a true testament to the city’s ambience and suitability in holding world-class events.
The 12th ASEAN Schools Games was supposed to be hosted by the Philippines in Dumaguete City in 2020 and 2021 but was canceled due to the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from CPIO)
