This, as the government has included sports development as part of its key agenda in both health and education.
During a press briefing at Orchard Hotel Singapore, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said various government agencies are now partnering with the private sector to develop sporting facilities around the country.
The key facilities to be completed include the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building, which will house training venues for bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other sports, she noted.
Furthermore, the development of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao, which will specialize in water sports training and include an academy, is also being fast tracked.
“Again, ito ay magbibigay sa atin ng specialized water sports training facility and academy for surfing, coastal, rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing,” she noted.
“Mayroon pa na iba pang proyekto, the broader Siargao Sports Complex na siya naman magkakaroon ng facilities para sa basketball, volleyball, badminton, rubberized track oval, athletes dormitory and convention center.”
In Luzon, an athletic bowl is also set to be established in Baguio City, which will serve as a regional training center for the Cordilleras.
In Mindanao, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex will be constructed and will be transformed into a regional training center for the Zamboanga Peninsula.
“So maraming mga proyekto na ninanais ng Pangulo na matapos. At ang nais ng Pangulo ay talagang world-class. Hindi mapipintasan at hindi mga proyektong maaaring magkaroon ng kickback ang mga taong nag-iisip na gumawa ng mga anomalya,” she noted.
Sports is being actively supported by the current administration. During his fifth State of the Nation Address last July, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. mentioned the achievements of Alex Eala in the international tennis scene, as well as the Philippine Women’s Football Team’s success.
Recently, the Philippine team at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, which comprised 447 athletes, was also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission by allocating PHP6,000 financial support to each of them.
