The iconic venue will be undergoing a major change as part of goals go create a world-class sports, culture, and lifestyle district.
Last Thursday, September 3, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the City Government of Manila, and SM Prime Holdings signed a historic agreement to redevelop the iconic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in the City of Manila.
“This is a defining moment for Philippine sports and heritage,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio in a statement.
He continued, “The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is a living symbol of our nation’s sporting legacy. With the all-out support of the City of Manila and SM Prime, we are ensuring that this historic district will stand proudly while serving the Filipino people for generations to come.”
The official also noted that the historical value will be preserved of the RMSC in the future plans for the complex.
In his message during the signing ceremony, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said that the city is happy that the SM group, which is a partner in this project, has not yet forgotten about the city where the company’s first outlet was founded.
He also emphasized that the people stand to benefit from the collaboration between the national and local government units and the private sector.
“Ang magbebenepisyo sa lahat ng ito ay ang mamamayan mg Lungsod ng Maynila, directly, at indirectly (for those) coming in and out of the city,” he said, adding that athletes will also benefit from the improvements in the facilities under the plan.
According to the plans bared by SM Prime, the key developments in the area will be a new walkable public pathway that will transform part of Adriatico Street to the PSC Plaza, an elevated walkway seamlessly connecting RMSC to the redeveloped SM Harrison Plaza that will open in 2027, and other modernized facilities that will preserve the venue’s rich history.
The works will also come in time for the country’s hosting of the inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games (SEA Plus YG) in December 2027.
Meanwhile, between the City Government of Manila and the Philippine Sports Commission, a separate Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed for the rehabilitation of sports facilities inside the Boystown.
This include swimming pool, basketball facilities, and additional sports equipment and materials for the youth under the Larong Saya Sandigan Program.
Also part of the agreement is the conduct of sports training for members of youth that stay inside Boystown.
