Not even one SEAG event in Iloilo City

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Mayor Jerry Treñas said he has done his part in lobbying to have some games in the upcoming 23 rd Southeast Asian Games played in Iloilo City.

Treñas felt envy with Bacolod City which will be hosting four games.

Bacolod City was included in the list of playing venues of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee. The SEA Games is set on November 27 to December 5, 2005.

Treñas, president of the League of Cities in the Philippines said he had already discussed with Cong. Monico Puentebella of Bacolod on the possibility of Iloilo City as one of the playing venues in the SEA Games, but to no avail.

Treñas said Puentebella was a former commisioner of the Philippine Sports Commission which made it easier for Bacolod City to be included in the playing venues aside from its quality sports facilities.

Treñas said the available playing venue for the SEA Games is the women's softball. However, the host should have a daylight lighting system. It cost some P12 million. This will incur expenses to the bidding host.

The city mayor also said he is also coordinating with the Iloilo provincial government since they also want to host some games in the incoming SEA Games. Recently, Iloilo hosted the Palarong Pambansa.