JOSE "PEPING" COJUANGCO, JR.

It looks like the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is now capable of sending the 98 athletes who will not be supported financially by the Philippine Sport Commission in the coming Laos Southeast Asian Games.

In what many believed to be an ominous day, Friday the 13th turned to be a lucky day for the POC after a getting a pledge of P1,223,800 from the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), an exclusive circle of construction firms, during the Philconstruct exhibit at the SMX Mall of Asia.

The PCA, through its director Jun Sevilla, already handed P18,500 cash as its initial seed for the participation of 251 athletes to the biennial meet slated from December 9 to 18.

“This is only one group. Nakakataba ng puso. I’m optimistic after this development," POC president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. said.

The athletes will feel more gratified that they are appreciated on what they have been doing.” Cojuangco added.

Cojuangco hopes more help will come in the next few days.

Out of 251 athletes, the PSC will only finance 153 athletes since they won either a gold or silver in the 2007 Thailand Games.

The POC, however, has been insisting to send 251 athletes since the young ones need this kind of competition to improve their performance and gain more confidence.

Cojuangco added that the generosity of the PCA could be the start of his noble project of “Adopt an Athlete.”

Sevilla, also the president and CEO of the FR Sevilla Industrial and Development Corp., said he will personally convince his other friends to help raise funds for the participation of Filipino athletes.

“We still continue to ask other companies," Sevilla said. "Somewhere down the line, madadagdagan pa ito.”

The amount can cover up to 20 athletes based on the estimate cost of P70,000 per RP athlete.

Cojuangco said more than 50 percent of the P5.6 million needed to send the 98 athletes have already been raised.

He believes they can reach their target before the start of the Laos SEA Games.

The Philippines will compete in 22 disciplines.

The athletes will be accompanied by 135 coaches and officials, including team managers, medical team, and secretariat, among others.