PSC sets aside P80M to refurbish derelict venue

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will no longer try to sell the 80-year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and instead work on refurbishing the facilities at the eight-hectare site with a budget of P80 million.

PSC chair Richie Garcia said the next administration will most likely take over the issue of the venue’s sale, which hit a snag after government ownership was disputed by the city of Manila.

“For now, (selling the RMSC) is wishful thinking,” said Garcia during the opening ceremony of the 2015 Philippine Olympic Committee-PSC Philippine National Games Luzon qualifying leg at the Badminton Hall of the RMSC Thursday.

Garcia noted the “heavy pollution” around the area, citing the grime that accumulates in the swimming pool which “needs to be cleaned every day.”

The PSC chief said the agency will put up a new roof on the tennis courts, improve the light towers of the football stadium and lay out an all-weather baseball field.

Also scheduled for repairs are the air-condition units at Ninoy Stadium Stadium and the flooring at Rizal Coliseum.