PAGCOR, PSC to upgrade sports facilities in PH — Recto

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Monday that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will work together to upgrade sports facilities and strengthen the development of athletes across the country. 

Recto said this was in support of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.’s goal of building world-class Filipino athletes, which will position the Philippines as a competitive sporting nation.

During a meeting, Recto said the PAGCOR and PSC agreed to collaborate on completing and upgrading key sports infrastructure across the country.

“Magtutulungan ang PAGCOR at PSC para bigyan ng tamang pasilidad, tamang suporta, at maayos na espasyo para mahasa ang galing ng mga Pilipino,” Recto said in a press statement.

(PAGCOR and PSC will work together in providing facilities, support, and space to hone the skills of our Filipino athletes.)

“Through this partnership, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to investing in Filipino potential, building not only champions in sports, but also national pride and opportunity for communities across the country,” he added.

He said that among the key facilities to be completed is the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building, which will house training venues for bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other sports.

Recto said the partnership between the two key agencies would fast-track the development of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao into a specialized watersports training facility and academy for surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing.

The broader Siargao Sports Complex will also be upgraded to include facilities for basketball, volleyball, badminton, a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center.

On the other hand, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex will be transformed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula. 

The Athletic Bowl in Baguio City is currently undergoing rehabilitation and augmentation to serve as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras. This facility will feature a track and field oval with a grandstand, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other athletic amenities.

Recto said that these modern facilities are expected to boost sports tourism and enable the Philippines to host international competitions, which will strengthen the country’s standing on the global sports stage. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News