“ What makes this year’s edition of the SEA Games unique is the fact that this is the first major decentralization of the tournament, meaning that the events will be spread across four different clusters around Luzon.

Amid the controversy surrounding the construction of an “overpriced” P50 million cauldron and an impending congressional inquiry to justify the allocation of P1.5 billion that did not undergo public bidding to fund the holding of the forthcoming 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, we have to see the silver lining in hosting the biennial regional sports competition come December this year.

Hosting the 30th SEA Games is actually a task that was previously declined by the original would-be host Brunei because of lack of funding. We were fully aware of the challenges of playing host to this important regional event, yet we took the baton from Brunei, setting aside at least P7.5 billion for the event, with P6 billion coming from the government. The rest of the money comes from sponsorship agreements facilitated by the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc).

Essentially, it is the fourth time that the nation is playing host to this multisport activity. One would wonder why the country, with its seemingly endless list of problems and other priorities, would spend this amount of money to host a regional sporting event.

The country is making this investment to establish the country’s reputation as a premier sports destination. In line with this goal, we had to ensure that we can provide the best venue for the scheduled 56 different games — the highest number of sports in the tournament’s history.

The administration built a huge, world-class sports complex in New Clark City, which houses the state-of-the-art Aquatics Center and Athletics Stadium, plus the Athletes’ Village where the athletes and other SEA Games personalities will be billeted.

From an economic standpoint, the establishment of New Clark City jumpstarted the development of Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone as a prime area for new businesses and government offices. Monumental sports facilities were constructed in the area in anticipation of the SEA Games, which will surely be an iconic tourist spot for years to come. This will cement the Philippines as a premier sports venue, not only for local athletes or events, but as well as future international events.

We are truly blessed to be the chosen host for yet another historic point in time for the fans of sports and athletics. This means that the Philippines will enjoy all the attention of the ASEAN region, and of the rest of the world as we become the most vocal champion of sports and athletics excellence.

What makes this year’s edition of the SEA Games unique is the fact that this is the first major decentralization of the tournament, meaning that the events will be spread across four different clusters around Luzon. This proves that we can offer multiple options when it comes to providing large-scale venues for the most grandiose competitions.

The sheer scope and reach of this year’s SEA games is unheard of, as we are literally putting on the biggest show ever seen worldwide. And this means we get to kickstart our tourism and attract potential investors from around the world.

It is our hope that by hosting the event, we can entice the whole delegation of the 11-member nations of the SEA Games Federation to discover and visit top tourist destinations in the country after the sports events are over, and tell stories to their colleagues and families of how they enjoyed their stay in our country when they return home.

Hosting the biennial sporting competition also proves that the current administration is capable of spearheading and managing such an important event. It is a true testament to the “Build, Build, Build” agenda of President Duterte, living and breathing evidence that his push for a golden age of infrastructure is a reality, and not just mere words or simply a dream.

While we expect the issue on why there is a need to build a P50 million cauldron to be used for the torch lighting ceremony to continue hogging the headlines, I believe this is not the right time to bring others down. Perhaps, this is the best time to savor, enjoy, support and celebrate our athletes first, above all, and sending them our prayers that they may get that elusive gold medal in as many sports events they could. Because a win for them is a win for us, in every sense of the word.

Even with all these controversial issues, I still firmly believe that we as Filipinos should look past these blemishes and unite to support the SEA Games, especially our local athletes. This is one of our best chance in a very long time to showcase our talent to the rest of the world, while also looking at opportunities to entice potential investors and tourists to our country.

This year’s SEA games are a perfect opportunity to infuse our sports and athletes, our economy and our tourism with new life. It is a fitting end to 2019, a great way to cap off the year and start a new 2020.