By Malou Dungog/Philippine News Agency
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has appealed for the participation of volunteers from the Subic Bay area in the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines will host late this year.
Wilma Eisma, chairman and administrator of SBMA, made the call for volunteers after the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) announced the need for some 12,000 volunteers for the regional sports spectacle to be held in November 30 to December 10.
According to the PHISGOC, the volunteers will be mobilized for the Games in Metro Manila, Subic, Clark Freeport, and other venues to help run the country’s hosting of the 56 sports and 529 events in this year’s sports meet.
“Once more tapping the wellspring of volunteerism that helped make Subic a model for military base conversion,” said Wilma Eisma, chairman and administrator of SBMA.
Eisma also urged local youth to take the opportunity to serve and be part of history.
“Make a difference and be a hero,” Eisma said in a call broadcast over social media.
“Come show your ‘malasakit’ (concern) once again. Be a SEA Games volunteer and give yourself the chance to serve the country and be part of history,” she added.
Eisma said she has called for volunteers to show their “malasakit” for Subic in so many occasions in the past.
“Today, I am calling on you again to join the SBMA team and help make the 30th SEA Games successful,” she said.
Out of the 56 sports slated in the 2019 SEA Games, several will be hosted in Subic.
These are duathlon, triathlon, pencak silat, sepak takraw, chess, table tennis, muay thai, karatedo, vovinam, obstacle sports, modern-date pentathlon, beach volleyball, beach handball, and all water sports: sailing, wind surfing, and traditional boat race.
PHISGOC said around PHP100 million to PHP150 million will be allotted to the volunteer program from the PHP5-billion SEA Games budget of the national government.
The volunteers will be provided with uniforms, transportation, allowance and meals for an eight-hour shift.
Eisma said that those interested to join the SEA Games volunteer program in Subic may apply online at www.mysubicbay.com.ph. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Recruitment of volunteers will be conducted from April to July, with the online registration starting on May 15.
Training of volunteers will be held from August to October.
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