Sports officials want expansion, creation of football stadiums
With the interest in football building up, sports leaders are one in saying that it is now time to expand the existing football stadiums or build new ones. âI think we need to expand our present facilities so that we can accommodate 25,000 to 30,000 people. I think itâs time to have stadiums like those," said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco Jr. Cojuangcoâs statement came on the heels of the Philippine Azkalsâ win over Mongolia in their AFC Challenge Cup qualifier at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City Wednesday night. Filipinos occupied every nook and cranny of the 20,000-seat stadium and witnessed how the Azkals defeated the Mongolians, 2-0. âThe local government led by governor Alfredo Maranon are taking steps to renovate the stadium," said Cojuangco. âWe canât host better teams if we donât have good facilities because FIFA also inspects the venues," added Cojuangco. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ricardo Garcia, however, said that the support of the private sector would still be needed for the renovation or creation of stadiums. âWith the present budget of the PSC, we donât have the ability to build or renovate stadiums," said Garcia. Garcia said that the national government can set aside funds for the stadiums, with the PSC supervising the funds. âBut we canât do it if it will come from the PSC funds itself," added Garcia. Garcia also suggested to give naming rights for sponsors to stadiums, a practice that is being done in the United States. Two years ago, the government sports agency entered into a memorandum of agreement with La Salle in renovating the football field at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Garcia said the target of completion of the football field is next month, as they are still waiting for the grass to grow. âThe grass is already installed, but it still needs to mature so that it wonât be destroyed easily," said Garcia, who also noted the importance of a viable football stadium in Manila. âWe also need to fill Rizal just like in Bacolod, so we can also support the sport here. Sometimes, people living in Manila take football for granted, so it's time to get them interested in football," added Garcia. - KY, RCJ, GMA News