EVEN before the actual games have begun, the SEA Games hosting has been besieged by problems and issues. First, the leadership vacuum at the POC.
The vacuum created some period of uncertainty for the NSA's, which led to a change in the delegation leadership from Monsourdel Rosario to PSC Chairman, Butch Ramirez taking over.
Second, the seemingly un-inspired logo for the games. With circles randomly placed on top of each other to resemble the Philippine map. There was a clamor for an update, but eventually, the organizers opted to release it officially.
Along with the logo is the mascot, "Pami." Though referenced for "pamilya," this also didn't get through the taste of netizens and others. Pami, albeit cute, seems to miss some parts of his limbs and seems unstable.
Two weeks before the start of the games, the cauldron to be used for the opening of the games was criticized heavily for its staggering price of P55 million. Aesthetically appealing as it is, many were quick to point out the amount spent for it and other possible uses it could have. And lastly, the publicity materials and the coordination lapses for guests' teams in their billeting quarters. Student organizations were very quick to offer their services for more palatable publicity materials and logistic support.
Whichever way we put it, this is but a reflection of our nation.
We are so quick to pass judgment for mistakes and errors even though we are not in the best position to see the complete picture. We have only seen what the media wants us to see. Each of us is not that privy to all the information about the SEA Games hosting.
We are also accustomed to everything last minute and the "pwede na to" mentality. We had a good number of months to prepare for this great hosting, and the coordination issues, altogether, could have been avoided. Lapses, as such, are in the realms of "things we can control," and we are not so helpless about it.
Incidentally, we are also very eager to help out when the n9eed arises. It is not yet too late for the Phisgoc (Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee) to consider the offer of student organizations to help in creating publicity materials for the next couple of weeks.
For the next two weeks, let us focus on helping each other.
We win as ONE!