Hosting of 2019 SEA Games to showcase Build, Build, Build developments

August 26, 2017

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in partnership with Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), is making some preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019.

A more than 50-hectare Sports City, with world class sports facilities will be constructed and made available for the 2019 regional games in New Clark City, a statement by the Presidential Communications Operations Office said Saturday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, earlier named as chairman of the SEA Games Organizing Committee, said this will be possible within the next two and a half years since Clark in Pampanga is high in the priority list of the Duterte administration in terms of development.

Cayetano added he favors holding of some games in  Clark and Subic because they are envisioned to become “special cities.”

The rate at which infrastructure development is gaining momentum across the country, the Philippine's hosting of the next Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is seen as an opportunity to showcase to the world the progress happening nationwide under the Duterte administration.

The Philippines is also bound to gain more in terms of tourism and prove to the world the Philippines is a safe place to visit and secure country to hold international events.

The Philippine edition of the biennial sporting event is expected to be held in Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Zambales.

The Philippine Arena in Bulacan, touted as the world's largest indoor arena with more than 50,000 seating capacity, is being considered as one of the venues.  The SMX Convention Center and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City could be tapped as well for some of the indoor sports.

Cayetano, with PSC Chairman William Ramirez and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose Cojuangco Jr., earlier announced in a press conference the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games in 2019 will proceed.

This will be the fourth time the country will host the 11-nation multi-sports meet.  The Philippines hosted the SEA Games in 1981, 1991, and 2005, with its best performance in 2005 when the country claimed the overall championship in that year.

About 40 sports events that were featured in the Philippines' last hosting of the SEA Games in 2005 will most likely be featured in the 2019 event. DMS