The hosting of the Philippine National Games by Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City from May 26-June 3 is something we all look forward to.
The PNG is intended to be the “national open,” where National Sports Associations will be able to identify fresh athletes for the country.
The PNG, which was started in 1993 during the term of President Fidel V. Ramos, was last staged in 1996.
In a sense, it is not mere coincidence that the PNG will be held here, even though the City and Province had initially declined to host the event for lack of funding. Rather, it is the fulfillment of a dream.
The former Governor and now Congressman George Arnaiz, the late Gov. Emilio Macias II, who was followed by Gov. Agustin Perdices, all dreamed for the longest time that the Province would be able to host the Palarong Pambansa. That is the reason for the massive improvement of the Perdices Coliseum, the building of the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center and the Lorenzo G. Teves Aqua Center.
Macias joined the bidding for the national games but he ended up frustrated after he learned that good facilities are not enough to be granted the rights to host the Palaro. There were promised perks to the organizers from the local government units that Negros Oriental was not prepared to give.
The PNG, apart from its national significance, will also have a vital economic role for Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City. This national sports event is expected to bring 5000 athletes, coaches and officials to our province.
If they would all spend at least Php 2,000 during their stay here, that would mean an addition to the Dumaguete economy of Php 10 million. This money would surely benefit our restaurants, tricycles, hotels and our shopping centers.
We can do no less by ensuring that we put our best foot forward when we receive our visitors from all over the country.
If we do well in hosting this event, what’s to prevent Manila from choosing Dumaguete and Negros Oriental again in hosting another big sporting event, like the Palarong Pambansa?
