(Photo by PCO)
The Marcos administration is pursuing the construction and improvement of sports facilities across the country to strengthen athlete training and support the development of Filipino sports talent, Malacañang said Friday, October 9.
During a press briefing at Orchard Hotel in Singapore, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is working with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and private sector partners to expand opportunities for Filipino athletes.
Among the priority projects is the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building, which will provide specialized training facilities for bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other sports.
The government is also accelerating the development of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao, which will feature a specialized water sports training facility and academy.
“Again, ito ay magbibigay sa atin ng specialized water sports training facility and academy for surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing,” Castro said.
She added that the broader Siargao Sports Complex will include facilities for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, along with a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and convention center.
In Mindanao, the planned Zamboanga City Sports Complex will be developed into a regional training center serving athletes from the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Meanwhile, an athletic bowl in Baguio City is among the proposed facilities intended to serve as a regional training center for athletes in the Cordillera region.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the projects completed to world-class standards while ensuring transparency and accountability in their implementation.
“So maraming mga proyekto na ninanais ng Pangulo na matapos. At ang nais ng Pangulo ay talagang world-class,” she said.
“Hindi mapipintasan at hindi mga proyektong maaaring magkaroon ng kickback ang mga taong nag-iisip na gumawa ng mga anomalya,” Castro added.
The Palace said the initiatives reflect the administration’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure, expanding access to specialized training, and providing Filipino athletes with facilities that can support their preparation for local and international competitions.
