New training center for national athletes to be constructed soon

National athletes will soon have a new training ground equipped with ultramodern facilities.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez announced on Tuesday that the construction of the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) would begin as soon as President Duterte signs the measure into law.

Ramirez said the sports agency is eyeing a 20-hectare property in Rosales, Pangasinan, as the site of the PSTC.

Sen. Sonny Angara, the author of the PSTC bill, said the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the government-funded training center in a bicameral gathering last week.

Angara added that P3.5 billion would be earmarked for the PSTC, which will serve as the official home and primary venue for the development of athletes in the national team.

“We’re very thankful to our lawmakers. This is the first sports facility that will be owned by the PSC,” said Ramirez during the presser at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Rep. Conrado Estrella III pushed for the approval of the PSTC in the House of Representatives while Sen. Manny Pacquiao, chair of the committee on sports, lobbied for it at the Senate with Angara, the vice chair of the sports committee.

The PSTC is also tasked to contribute to sports science and research.