THE Philippine National Games (PNG), earlier set in December 10 to 16 in Cebu City, was reset to April 15 to 21, 2018.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, in a press conference aired via Facebook live at the PSC conference room in Manila on November 3, said the games will have to be moved to a later date to allow more time for the host local government unit (LGU) to prepare.
"Some concerns were raised in holding it in December so we find it more appropriate to hold it in April instead," said Ramirez, who was joined in the panel by PSC commissioner Arnold Agustin, PSC executive director lawyer Sannah B. Frivaldo and two other PSC officers.
PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez, oversight commissioner for Visayas, said in a separate Facebook interview that the postponement was necessary.
"The perfect time is summer when all student athletes can play! No problems with billeting in schools, too," Fernandez said.
Reports reaching SunStar Davao said that most PNG participants, who are collegiate athletes in the country, will have examinations during the original games schedule in December. Thus, turnout of entries is expected to be low.
Another reason reportedly cited was the lack of billeting areas since most colleges and universities in Cebu still have classes during that time.
In view of the PNG postponement, Agustin said they will also reschedule the national Para Games in April.
Meanwhile, Ramirez said that dormitories and canteens at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila, will be refurbished by first quarter next year.
"We will feed the (national) athletes successfully with nutritionists meeting nutritional requirements of each athlete," Ramirez added.