BAGUIO CITY — The 2018 Batang Pinoy in this so-called City of Pines is almost all systems go, with only some minor adjustments in the preparations.
In a press conference Tuesday, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Celia Kiram said more or less 3,900 athletes and more than 2,000 technical and government officials are expected in the Batang Pinoy in Baguio City slated Sept. 15-21.
The number does not include the parents and guardians of the athletes, Kiram said.
She added that the PSC is subsidizing each athlete with PHP3,000 for transportation expenses.
“Aside from that, we will also be providing some of the needed equipment. We will be providing whatever support we can give. We will also be providing beddings and mattress for the convenience of our athletes,” Kiram said.
She said the PSC does not want the athletes to sleep in “boxes” and mats, which are not advisable with the weather, climate, and temperature in the Philippines’ summer capital.
“We see to it that the athletes will not sleep on cartons, that they will have sufficient supply of water, even portalets,” she said.
Kiram said the commission is ensuring the safety and convenience of the athletes.
She added they will also be providing the delegates with weather updates to help them prepare and cope with the weather.
“The athletes will be arriving two days prior to the event to acclimatize themselves,” she said.
When asked regarding the billeting schools, she said the schools have passed the international standards, although minor adjustments are yet to be applied.
Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has instructed City Hall staff to help in the preparation and for volunteers to make sure there will be adequate lighting fixture and sufficient water supply for the event to avoid problems that could affect the delegates’ perception of the city.
The City Sports Division told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday that some 1,600 Luzon delegates and sports officials will be billeted in the various buildings of the Baguio City High School, while about 1,500 Mindanao-based athletes and sports officials will be housed at the Baguio Central School, Josefa Cariño Elementary School, and the Pines City National High School.
Guisad Valley National High School will also serve as additional billeting.
The 1,500 athletes and coaches who will be participating in the six events in Benguet will be billeted in various public schools in La Trinidad town.
The 1,400 Visayas-based athletes and coaches will be housed at the Mabini Elementary School, Quezon Elementary School, and SPED Center.
There will be 28 events to be played during the Batang Pinoy national finals.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to grace the opening of Batang Pinoy on Sept. 15, although the PSC has yet to receive a confirmation from the Office of the President, she said. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)
