Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. yesterday said the provincial government will campaign for Bacolod City to serve as host for events of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which the Philippines is expected to host in 2019.

In an interview with the governor, he echoed earlier statements by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, saying the city should play host to football and boxing.

Marañon added, executive assistant Eric Loretizo confirmed Ricky Yanson of Ceres-Negros FC and officials from the SEA Games organizing committee were already conducting inspections of various sites where football matches could be held.

It was also noted, co-hosting football events with Iloilo City is also a possibility as they are also lobbying to serve as a hosting venue.

Last month, Leonardia urged Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) partylist Rep. Mark Sambar to push for Bacolod City to serve as host. Sambar, meanwhile, said the current cities chosen to host certain sporting events are Clark in Pampanga and cities throughout Metro Manila.

When the SEA Games were last hosted by the Philippines in 2005, Bacolod City served as host to boxing, football, weightlifting, and volleyball events./DGB, WDJ