With the government calling this move part of its support for Filipino athletes and promotion of sports among the youth.
On Wednesday, November 19, the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City was officially reopened by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos.
During which, the Chief Executive expressed pride in the rehabilitation work done on PhilSports Complex and said, “To see these new facilities, these new arrangements that you have done for our athletes is something that brings a great deal of joy to my heart because our athletes really should be supported.”
He also emphasized in his speech the importance of sports on the national and personal levels, noting that sports does not only bring glory to the country, but also “pride to every Filipino.”
“And that’s so important. And it also brings the country together. Because walang Pilipino na hindi kakampi sa Olympian natin o sa athlete natin na lumalaban,” he furthered.
Meanwhile, Marcos said that he had asked Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick ‘Pato& Gregorio to bring sports back to schools, underscoring how sports build character by teaching sacrifice, discipline, and teamwork.
“We will continue to bring pride to the Philippines. We will continue to inspire young people. And we will continue to support that inspiration by saying, we are here, the government is here, we are working to make sure that you have all that you need para maging maganda naman, maging matagumpay ang inyong mga maging competition kahit saan man kayo pumunta,” said the President.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the First Couple, alonf with other officials and guests, inspected the renovated facilities like the National Athletic Center, Dormitory H and the National Sports Museum Building.
The rehabilitation of the PhilSports Complex, which started in July 2025, was in time for the Philippines’ hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup scheduled from November 21 to December 7.
Considered as one of the country’s premier national sports centers, PhilSports Complex was opened to the public as ULTRA or the University of Life Training and Recreational Area in 1985.
It aimed to provide a world-class facility for the training of national athletes and to serve as a major sports hub, as well as venue for cultural, athletic, and entertainment events, as well as a shelter during disasters and emergencies.
It has four main sports facilities: PhilSports Multi-Purpose Arena, PhilSports Swimming Center, PhilSports Football and Athletics Stadium, and the Athlete dormitories, with 10 buildings housing national athletes.