Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia on Thursday predicted that the Philippines will surpass its four gold medal haul in 2006 when it competes in this year’s Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

When asked if it was possible for the Philippines to improve on its previous gold haul, Garcia answered in the affirmative.

“Yes,” he said during a meeting with sportswriters yesterday. “The NSA leaders and the athletes are in high spirits.” He, however, did not put a figure on his prediction.

“I like our chances this time (in Guangzhou),” said Garcia, rattling off boxing as a traditional source of medals. “Then there’s dragon boat and taekwondo.”

Garcia said P30 million will be earmarked for the country’s participation in Guangzhou, an amount that will provide for the delegate’s airfare, board and lodging, per diem, training gear and other competition stuff.

“A little over 200 athletes”, according to the Bacolod-bred Garcia will represent the country.

There will be 470 events on tap in 45 sports that will be played in Guangzhou and three other cities, Shanwei, Dongguan and Foshan.

Philippine Olympic Committee spokesperson and Asian Games chief of mission Joey Romasanta said the final roster will be submitted to the organizers on August 11.

Team sports like dragon boat, softball and basketball will make up the bulk of the delegation.

The competition is set November 12 to 27.

Boxing provided two gold medals, while wushu and billiards each had one in 2006 Doha.