PHISGOC says SEA Games athletes’ issues ironed out after meeting

The issues raised by foreigners in the 30th Southeast Asian Games have been sorted out, officials of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee said on Wednesday.

At a news conference, PHISGOC officials asked members of the media to focus on the positives rather than the problems that went with hosting an international sporting event such as the SEA Games.

"We tackled all the issues of players, their requests and the problems of the chef de mission and we have resolved everything," PHISGOC chief operating officer Ramon Suzara said.

"We want to put a rest on this that's why we had a chef de mission meeting... Always, before the opening, there are a lot of adjustments," he added.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

The past few days saw football teams from Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar encountering varying levels of inconvenience—from improper modes of transportation, being brought to wrong hotels, and getting far-off practice venues.

Food also became an issue with some items not being halal-certified.

"I'm appealing to all of you to give a positive note on what we have done," Suzara said who cited the negative coverage of the media.

Officials said there were more to the Philippines' hosting than the lapses in the staging of the early competitions at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

"There are other 52 venues na hindi kino-cover. The Biñan Complex and the Muntinlupa Sports Complex are nice," Suzara said.

"The World Trade Center now is ready for wushu, karate and fencing. There are a lot of venues in New Clark City, dapat 'yon doon magpunta, hindi lang nakatutok sa isa," he added.

The venue of the SEA Games football competitions was not totally ready when the tournament started on Monday.

The first game was held without the electronic score board.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino urged the media to support the country's hosting of the regional meet.

"I-angat naman natin ang ating mga atleta at bansa through reporting more on the positives. Let us cheer to all our athletes," Tolentino said. —NB, GMA News