“I’d like to hear the Philippine national anthem played 120 times,” he stated during the event, making it clear that the host country is aiming for the number one spot during the international affair.
The meeting involved 58 various national sports associations (NSA) representatives led by Vargas and newly-appointed 2019 SEA Games chef de mission William “Butch” Ramirez to discuss the status of the Philippines in preparation for the arrival of the numerous countries participating.
Numerous internal issues disrupted operations weeks ago, after some heads of the POC board, namely committee head Robert Bachmann, members Joey Romasanta, and Peping Cojuangco, chef de mission Monsour Del Rosario, and deputy CDM Charlie Ho were removed from their position. Yet, Vargas now assured, “We are working this out. With your help, this is achievable, this is doable,” adding, “I share the call of (Philippine Sports Commission) chairman Butch Ramirez, the PSC commissioners, and most especially, our government, that we unify and win as one.”
He continued, “I’m most willing to do that so that we work out a plan so we can all work together. (We hope to) answer the questions that need to be answered so that we are assured that the POC is ok. For whatever it’s worth, I’ve also spoken to our politicians and to the private sector to work on a reward system to all athletes that bring home gold,” he shared.
Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano also shared, “I really believe we can pull off the biggest and best SEA Games hosting. That will start the momentum for the government to put sports front and center.”
The last time the Philippines hosted the regional biennial meet was in 2005, winning the overall championship. This year is the country’s fourth time hosting.