THE Philippine football community is chipping in to address some of the concerns hounding action in the Southeast Asian Games.
Philippine Football Federation president Marinao “Nonong” Araneta said well-meaning individuals and private companies have stepped in to help the country’s hosting of the Games’ most popular event that has been buffeted by issues, ranging from transportation to food to accommodations.
Speaking at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Amelie Hotel yesterday, Araneta said Southridge School in Alabang has offered its pitch as one of the practice venues while Vallacar Transit, which owns the Ceres Bus line, has provided 18 of its newest buses to transport teams to their matches.
Vallacar is headed by Leo Rey Yanson, also the owner of the country’s top football club, Ceres-Negros.
“We have been augmenting what is necessary,” Araneta said in reaction to the complaints from participating teams.
Araneta said the PFF’s role is limited to the technical side of the tournament, which includes the conduct of the actual competition, while the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee is in charge with the organization of the games, ranging from accommodations to transportation.
