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Thursday, June 30, 2005
Osmeña ‘reconsiders’; pledge to Seag stays
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
No need to worry. Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is not withdrawing his support for the City’s co-hosting of the Southeast Asian Games later this year.
With the recent development, the Cebu Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (CebuSoc) can now move on with the preparations for the biennial meet on Nov. 27 to Dec. 5 and realize the City‘s longtime dream to host event, which will gather 10 neighboring countries.
Apprehensive
“Padayun ang support ni mayor (The Mayor has not withdrawn his support). He was just apprehensive that the expenses might go beyond the P3 million allocated by the City Government, but he assured us of his 100 percent support,” Cebu City Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem told Sun.Star Cebu.
A source told Sun.Star Cebu an ally helped convince the City’s chief executive to reconsider his decision.
“A close ally reportedly helped convince Mayor Osmeña to reconsider.
Whether it is true or not, I believe it is good for all of us because our efforts could have been wasted,” the source said.
Jakosalem said that Osmeña is trying to clarify some points in the Memorandum of Agreement with the PhilSoc before signing it.
“Our efforts could have been put to waste if the mayor withdrew his support.
Mayor Osmeña denied such reports though,” said Cebu City Sports Commission and CebuSoc chairman Jonathan Guardo.
“But I believe it was a wakeup call to all of us that we need to double our efforts to ensure a successful hosting. We need to work doubly hard to reach our goal. For now, we have a close alliance and everything is in place, including the pledges from sponsors.”
Scared
“I was scared, too, because upon learning that Mayor Osmeña was considering withdrawing, Mayor Teddy (Ouano) teased me that he too would withdraw (support),” said Mandaue City Sports Development Commission executive director Cheryl Ouano. “I knew he was kidding, but it really gave us worries.
“But with everything in place now, I think we can move forward to give our visitors a very meaningful Games.”
A source from the Philippine Olympic Committee and a CebuSoc member earlier told Sun.Star Cebu about Osmeña’s reported withdrawal of support.
Jakosalem said that anytime soon, the City will release its pledge, cutting CebuSoc’s hosting budget shortage to less than P5 million.
(June 30, 2005 issue)
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