PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has begged off from attending the sendoff ceremony this Thursday for the national delegation heading to the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Pressing matters, including the planned visit of US Secretary of State, is keeping Mr. Duterte busy.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez said he will instead represent Mr. Duterte in his absence.
“We in the board will take care of the athletes during the sendoff,” said Ramirez.
A total of 497 athletes that will see action in the Games starting Aug. 14 will be around for the sendoff.
It will be held at Hall One of the Golden Pavilion inside the CITEM compound along Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City.
The delegations of football and athletics make up the biggest delegates in the national contingent seeing action in the games.
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.
Team Philippines will also be represented by 163 coaches, 70 support groups to include medical, secretariat and 13 technical officials.
Ramirez said they have earmarked a total of P350 million for the preparation and participation of the Philippines in the Games.