As host for the February 2013 Palarong Pambansa, Negros Oriental government may shell out more than P10 million for the improvement of the facilities in the game venues and billeting quarters. 

Provincial Treasurer Danilo Mendez said that in preparation for the national games, the province is estimated to spend between P10 million to P15 million for the repair of infrastructure, billeting areas for the athletes, provision of water supply and improvement of sanitary toilets, among others. 

Negros Oriental won against Negros Occidental in the bidding to host next year’s Palaro. 

Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Salustiano Jimenez of the Department of Education (DepEd) said the event is expected to bring in more than 15,000 athlete-delegates and guests including some parents of the players from the 17 regions in the country. 

Dr. Jimenez said the influx of participants, national and local tourists will pump-prime the local economy and tourism industry. 

More than 10 events will be held in about a hundred games with divisions for boys and girls in the elementary and high schools levels, said Jimenez. 

The school superintendent said the province offered its playing venues within 12 kilometer radius or will be contained in Metro Dumaguete areas. 

The provincial government officials together with the DepEd convened immediately to identify the needs, plan out different committees and tackle expected difficulties attendant to the hosting of the said sports event. (rmn/JCT-PIA Negros Oriental)