The bayanihan spirit was definitely very much alive during the Volunteer Program Launch for the Subic-Clark cluster as hundreds of volunteers trooped to the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark to show their unwavering support for the 30th SEA games.
The resonating loud chants and cheers from the audience saying “I Volunteer” captured the strong passion and power of the volunteers present during the event.
With less than 100 days to go before the main event, the Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) gets additional boost from twenty five (25) partner institutions, consisting of universities and colleges, provincial government and business group.
Philippine Sports Commission Chair William “Butch” Ramirez, Senator Francis Tolentino, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda and Zambales Representative Cheryl Deloso-Montalla (2nd district), Capas Tarlac Mayor Rey Catacutan, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Mon Agregado and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Noel Manankil were present to show their support and motivate the volunteers.
The partner institutions that declared support for the SEA games volunteer program include: Columban College Inc, Mondriaan Aura College,Lyceum of Subic Bay, Gordon College, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Subic Bay Colleges Inc, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, St Joseph College, City College of Angeles, Clark College of Science & Technology, Gentry International School, Jocson College, Mabalacat City College, Our Lady of Fatima, Philippine State College of Aeronautics, Ifugao State University, Pangasinan State University, Holy Angel University, Angeles University Foundation, Systems Plus College Foundation, Tarlac State University, Colegio De Sebastian,Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Provincial Government of Tarlac.
The Philippine Sports Commission Chair William “Butch” Ramirez and Senator Francis Tolentino gave inspiring words to commend the volunteers as well as the partner institutions for showing their commitment and support for the success of the SEA games.
During the launch, Senator Tolentino asserted, “Regardless of gender, race, or religion, we will uphold the virtue of unity and nationalism for us to come together as one.”
“We must work together for us to win as one. I VOLUNTEER!” Tolentino said as he joined the PHISGOC team and volunteers on stage during the reciting of the manifesto of support.
Chris Tiu, Deputy Director of Volunteer Program and former PBA player, led hundreds of volunteers from different parts of Luzon, as they recited their pledge of support for the SEA games and to serve the country as well.
“I believe in the power of unity and camaraderie, in unity there is greater strength and bigger potential to succeed,” the manifesto reads.
“I know that We is bigger than I. Together we can overcome the challenges. We will win as one.” the volunteers recited.
The Subic and Clark volunteers will begin their volunteers’ program training at the ASEAN Convention Center after their cluster launch.
Over 1,000 volunteers from partner institutions and online applicants are expected to join the first ever training to prepare them for the biggest, most-viewed, and best hosted SEA Games.
The Volunteers Program has provided a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for students, teachers, persons with disabilities, professionals and even retirees to share their time and talent for a worthy cause –to ensure the success of the SEA games and to serve the country and make Filipinos proud.