DILG: Show Filipino hospitality, set aside other ‘issues’ on SEA Games
DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. (Photo from his FB account)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government appealed to Filipinos to show the country’s hospitality to foreign athletes and delegates and set aside issues on this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
“Ang sinasabi lang natin dito is now that magsisimula na siya, nandito na yung mga delegado ipakita na natin yung hospitality natin. Kumbaga kung meron man mga other issues, isantabi muna natin ito,” DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a press conference.
(What we are saying here, now that the SEA Games is starting, the delegates are here, we should show our hospitality. If there are other issues, set these aside first.)
“Let’s put the country’s interest, let’s put our best foot forward, let’s put our best face forward and let us deliver the best games that we can,” Malaya added.
Malaya emphasized the government’s security preparations for the games, noting that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Interpol will help monitor any possible threats during the sports events.
“The success of the security preparations will depend on the cooperation not only of the PNP but also of the athletes and also of the local government units especially those who are hosting the games,” the DILG undersecretary said.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said 1,621 SEA Game participants and 80 other foreign delegates have arrived in the Philippines for the games.
Police Regional Office 1, 2, 3, 4a and National Capital Region Police Office implemented full alert status since Nov. 25, Banac noted.
Organizers were criticized for hosting SEA Games due to issues on food, hotel transfer, transportation and accommodations of foreign athletes.
