Rizal Sports Complex renovation on hold

MANILA, Philippines — Infrastructure projects at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and other facilities controlled by the Philippine Sports Commission will remain on hold pending the possible construction of a multibillion-peso sports complex in Clark, Pampanga.

PSC chair Richie Garcia said the renovation of building structures within RMSC could be rendered useless if the projected 50-hectare training center in the former US air base pushes through.

“We’re just being prudent with the expenses. We cannot invest here (RMSC) and later on move to Clark,” said Garcia.
The PSC top honcho and Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. are scheduled to visit the proposed new training site on Thursday.

They’ll try to strike a deal for the sale of the property. From there, the PSC and the POC will draw the architectural design of the sports complex, which will house the dormitories of the national athletes and the training facilities.

Garcia said they would either partner with the city of Manila for the sale of the RMSC or encourage private companies to directly infuse capital into the sports complex.

“Once we secure the location and come up with the master plan, a showroom within the site should be put up to entice investors,” said Cojuangco.

According to Cojuangco, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is keen on selling the 80-year-old RMSC with several companies already expressing their desire to acquire the prime property near Manila Bay.

The 9.3-hectare complex has a market value of at least P8 billion.

Garcia said they would need P3.5 billion to bankroll the construction of the training center.

Garcia said the entire complex would be completed in six months using prefabricated materials for the structures and by hiring multiple contractors.