New Clark sports complex can resist up to M-8.4 quake —BCDA

The new sports complex being constructed at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, where the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) will be held has been designed to withstand earthquakes, according to the agency assigned to build the structure.

"Ang earthquake rating under the building code is 7 to 8. The structures here are minimum 8.4. We've built it in a way na dinesenyo kahit na anong lakas ng lindol ay talagang kakayanin ng mga structures dito," said Vince Dizon, President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in an Unang Balita report by Saleema Refran on Friday.

Dizon was asked following the magnitude 6.1 that struck Luzon last April, where 18 people were dead and over 280 were injured.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the BCDA said the completion of the New Clark City Sports Complex is already at 70%, with the 20,000-seater athletics stadium needing its finishing touches.

The aquatics center already has its structure, as well the competition pool and the diving pool.

The athletes village that could accommodate 2,900 athletes and coaches has also been erected, with a river park where they could relax.

Discussion on the possibility of transferring the hosting of the SEA Games to other countries previously emerged due to delays to the Philippines' 2019 budget.

DOTR secretary Arthur Tugade however said Philippines will continue to host the SEA Games which will be held in November.

"Mayroon ho tayong commitment sa pangulo. Mayroon tayong pangako sa international (community)," Tugade said.

The P12.6 billion sports complex will soon turn out to be a training center for national athletes.

It has been targeted to be finished in August. —Jamil Santos/LBG, GMA News