Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2019 SEA Games

PFF prexy Araneta grateful to Ceres, private sector for helping in SEA Games


The Philippine football community is chipping in to address some of the concerns hounding the competition in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said well-meaning individuals and private companies have stepped in to help the country’s hosting of the Games’ most popular event, which has been buffeted by issues ranging from transportation to food to accommodations.

Speaking at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Amelie Hotel last Tuesday, the country’s top football official revealed that Southridge School in Alabang has offered its pitch as one of the practice venues. Meanwhile, Vallacar Transit, which owns the Ceres Bus line, has provided 18 of its newest buses to transport teams to their matches.

Vallacar is headed by Leo Rey Yanson, who is also the owner of the country’s top football club, Ceres-Negros.

“We have been augmenting what is necessary,” Araneta said in reaction to the complaints from participating teams.

Araneta clarified that the PFF’s role is limited to the technical side of the tournament, which includes the conduct of the actual competition. The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee remains in charge of the organization of the games, ranging from the accommodations to the transportation.

“There are well-meaning individuals and companies that are willing to help us to make this SEA Games successful,” Araneta added.

“They were there not to criticize, but to help.”

Philippine football team manager Dan Palami said the Young Azkals have been quite fortunate that the PFF has been alert in addressing their needs.

#ReadMore  Jared Dillinger glad to be on the other side of Ginebra-Meralco rivalry

“Of course, we empathize with the other teams,” said Palami, who was also at the forum backed by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

“The PFF has been there to backstop us every time we have concerns so we have not encountered problems.”

The Young Azkals opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Cambodia last Monday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Araneta said the federation has also released funds to the women’s team, which had complained about the quantity and the quality of food in their hotel. “Even the parents of some of the players are helping out in making sure that we get enough food for the women’s team,” Araneta said.

“We want to move on and focus on the competition,” added Araneta.

“Right now, we just have to help each other and also support our athletes.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Football

Change is coming for the Philippine Azkals. Long-time team manager Dan Palami announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down from his role in...

19th Asian Games

After bowing out in women’s football at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, the Filipinas are returning home with their pride intact and their...

Filipinas

Philippine Football Federation President Nonong Araneta is once again seeking assistance from the Philippine Sports Commission to support one of the country’s national teams:...

Football

The Philippine Football Federation received new equipment from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines on Thursday, which it hopes will significantly contribute to...

Filipinas

LAKE TEKAPO — One day before the start of its 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team experienced an...

Filipinas

LAKE TEKAPO — Just when all seemed lost, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team’s matches in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will eventually...

Filipinas

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup just a month away, the Philippine Football Federation is hoping that the Philippine Sports Commission does its part...

32nd SEA Games

Mission accomplished for Team Pilipinas. The 840-strong contingent of the Philippines was given a mission to surpass the 52-gold tally of the team in...

Advertisement