By rey c. lachica
TWENTY DAYS before the start of the Southeast Asian Games, there’s still no indication that the country is hosting the biggest sporting event in the region.
Blame it on funding, or the lack of it, and the apparent apathy of local governments, Metro Manila has yet to catch the SEA Games fever.
There are no visible streamers, billboards and other poster boards that will trumpet the significance of the biennial event.
Little is also heard or seen about promotional campaigns of the event in television, radio and print.
Small wonder, only five of 10 Metro Manilans are aware that the Games will be held starting on Nov. 27.
Carol, a waitress in one of Manila’s most popular restaurants, mistakenly ties the event with games held under the sea.
Those looking for souvenir items this early will also be disappointed.
SEA Games shirts, key chains, caps, bags, pins and other souvenir items are still not available in the market.
The only streamers available were put up by Globe, the event’s major sponsor. They are in full display along EDSA and Roxas Boulevard and in front of University of Santo Tomas.
It has become apparent that the awareness campaign of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc) has taken the backseat in its priorities, given the current financial standing of the organizers.
Philsoc is actually leaving to the sponsors the responsibility of putting up the billboards and streamers.
"We don’t know yet when they (the sponsors) are going to start putting posters or streamers," said a Philsoc official. "Meron na rin sa iba pero we hope other will help us."
Local officials have not been helpful.
Some streamers were reportedly torn down in Manila because Philsoc failed to get a permit from the city government.
Hopefully, Filipinos can realize the importance and significance of the event and work together to ensure the successful staging of the event, according to the Philsoc official.
