Tuesday, September 09, 2008 PSC: Tubod remains MFG host By Marianne Saberon-Abalayan
THE cancellation of the revival of the Mindanao Friendship Games this year, scheduled for November 17 to 22 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, due to unstable peace and order situation in the area solicited contrasting reactions from sports officials.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez said he was forced to cancel the MFG as "we don't want to risk anybody's life."
"We are very careful with this sports for peace program," Ramirez said, although he admitted that Tubod remains the rightful host of the revival of the Games.
The sprawling multi-million Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod was also the host of the inaugural staging of the meet in 2001 with no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest speaker.
"Let's just wait when Tubod is ready. It won't be proper to put the Games anywhere else because the Dimaporos have long been preparing for it. When the peace and order condition there stabilizes, MFG can be staged any time," the PSC chief said.
Local sports officials supported the decision of Ramirez, although others want the scheduled MFG transferred to another venue.
Christopher "Bong" Go, executive assistant to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, said: "Sports is all about peace and understanding. The cancellation was very unfortunate. We call for peace for the youth to enjoy the benefits of sports."
Lawyer Manny Nitorreda, head coach of the University of Mindanao (UM) Wildcats, said the MFG cancellation was just a temporary setback.
"It can be scheduled later when the situation improves and when peace and order is restored. The safety of everybody is foremost," Nitorreda said.
Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (Pasa) regional director Deedee Gonzalez, for her part, said it was wise decision to cancel the meet "considering that foremost among concerns is athletes' safety."
"It is rather sad though that the games be cancelled," Gonzalez said.
PhilCylcing Davao coordinator Salvador Paholio Jr. said the cancellation is not good for athletes who are preparing for the event.
"The games is set in November yet, it can be transferred in Tagum or Mati or in other place without armed conflict," Paholio said.
Former Metro Davao Table Tennis Association (Medatta) president Friendee Nuñez echoed Paholio's observation, saying the MFG must continue and can be staged in a safer place.
It can be recalled that Mati hosted the last MFG during its centennial celebration in 2003. The mayor then was the late Francisco "Paking" Rabat.
But, during Mati City's hosting of the 2008 Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet in February, Mayor Michelle Rabat said their city is not yet ready to host the MFG this year or next year.
