THE Philippine Sports Commission has approved the budget of P86.777 million to cover the trip of the 773-strong delegation to the 29th Southeast Asian Games.
The board, in a meeting held at the PSC main office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, gave its approval to the national contingent’s final budget.
A 70-member support group, which includes medical, secretariat and 13 technical officials, will join 498 athletes that’s listed to go the Games.
“Lahat ito magtatrabaho. That’s how we love our NSAs. We took care of their plane tickets. And we were generous with their requests a few months ago,” said PSC chairman William “Butch Ramirez.
The budget will cover the air fare, accommodation, uniforms and allowances of the contingent.
A big chunk of the cost is for the billeting expense of the national team.
The delegations of football and athletics make up the most number of delegates in the national contingent.
There will be 20 players in the national under-23 men’s football squad, and an equal number in the women’s team.
On the other hand, athletics will have 25 in the men’s division and 13 in the distaff side.
Ramirez earlier said they have earmarked a total of P350-million for the participation of the Philippines in the Games.
The Philippines will be competing in 37 out of 38 sports disciplines for the 405 total.