The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has come to the aid of the women's team and the organizers after problems were encountered in the first few days of the football competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
On Monday, national women's football coach Let Dimzon lashed out at the quality and quantity of the food made up basically of rice, eggs, and kikiam that was served at the team hotel during one breakfast.
PFF president Nonong Araneta said the concerns have already been addressed.
"Nag-usap na kami kung sino in-charge to talk to the women's (team). Sabi ko, 'Let, forget about that.' Nasabi mo na 'yan. For me, please concentrate on the game dahil 'yun ang pinaka-importante and we will be there to augment whatever is necessary," said Araneta on Tuesday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.
The Philippines played through a scoreless draw over Myanmar on Tuesday at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna to kick off its medal bid in the SEA Games.
The days leading up to the start of the football competitions has seen the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) come under fire for transportation and accommodation issues that affected most of the teams.
Araneta said the PFF was approached by several members of the football community as well as concerned citizens on the plight of the women's team.
"There were people with good intentions. They called me. 'Nong, anong kailangan mo? Kailangan ng pagkain? Sige.' Lahat naman, well-meaning individuals and companies who are trying to help us to make this Southeast Asian Games successful," said Araneta.
Araneta said PFF has also come in through Ceres Bus Liner, which has deployed 18 brand-new buses for the women's and men's teams.
"Ceres is one of them. Brand new buses starting today para wala nang problema. We are addressing all these things. We are here not to criticize but to help. Let's help one another," said Araneta.
Araneta said Southridge School has also offered their facilities as practice venue for the teams.
