The preparations for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games are expected to go full swing as early as January, according to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richie Garcia.

The PSC along with the Philippine Olympic Committee will be forming a task force to monitor the performances of the athletes in some local and international tournaments.

It will also be working hand in hand with the national sports associations (NSAs) to determine the needs of the athletes especially those disciplines included in the calendar of the 2013 SEA Games.

“This task force will help us determine the number of qualified athletes since they will be coming up with criteria. The task force will compare the previous and present records of a certain athlete and how will he or she fare in this year’s SEA Games,” said the PSC chief.

Garcia added that the PSC has already allotted budget for the international exposures of the athletes. He is looking at China, Australia and Russia as possible training venues as these countries own world-class mentors and high-tech training facilities.

“We have already sent communications with these countries. We’re just awaiting their replies. As early as possible, we want to start sending athletes abroad for training camps,” Garcia said.

The Philippines is hoping to surpass its sixth place finish in the 2011 edition of the biennial meet held in Jakarta and Palembang in Indonesia where the Filipino athletes won 36 gold, 56 silver and 77 gold medals.