Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann’s recent visit revived talks about the possibility of Davao City hosting the 12th BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines)- Eaga Friendship Games this year.
During the Madayaw Davao program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) aired Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Mikey Aportadera, the officer-in-charge of the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO), reported that Bachmann visited various operational sports facilities in the city, including the Davao City Sports Complex located in Tugbok District inside the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao.
“Isa ka reason nianhi si Chairman is to make sure the facilities are okay to use (One reason the Chairman is here is to make sure the facilities are okay to use),” he said.
According to Aportadera, who has previously served as a Davao City delegation official in past editions of the BIMP Eaga Friendship Games held in other countries, host nations typically encounter challenges with facilities that require repairs.
The city sports chief underscored that they want to avoid potential embarrassment if Davao City hosts the biennial goodwill games this year. Therefore, Bachmann’s visit was an excellent opportunity to assess the readiness of the city’s sports facilities.
He stated that they anticipate completing the Davao City Sports Complex this year, citing the ongoing construction of the Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Preparing the facilities, according to him, is one of the critical factors in securing the hosting rights of the BIMP Eaga Friendship Games.
However, he mentioned that Bachmann and Mabel Sunga Acosta, the chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA), will discuss the hosting matter.
Aportadera also noted that the BIMP Eaga Friendship Games serve as a venue for showcasing Davao City to neighboring countries and for Dabawenyo athletes to assess their talents and skills.
Davao City last participated in the 11th BIMPNT-Eaga Friendship Games held in Brunei Darussalam in December 2018. At the close of the Games, the then Chef de Mission, former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey, received the BIMP Eaga Sports Council flag during the formal turnover rites. At that time, the Philippines was scheduled to host the 12th edition in 2020.
The BIMP Eaga Sports Council canceled the 2020 BIMP-Eaga Friendship Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.CIO
