Senators Richard Gordon and Miguel Zubiri lauded the creation of the P3.5-billion peso national training center, calling it a game changer in Philippine sports and a welcome salute to the Filipino athletes.
Gordon said it’s about time the national athletes get the support they need “not only for the medals they bring but also for example they set for rest of the country.”
Zubiri, who is also president of the Philippine Eskrima, Kali, Arnis Foundation, said the law is a step in the right direction for Philippine sports, which is hoping to score big with the staging of the Southeast Asian Games here later this year.
Rep. Mikee Romero (1Pacman party-list), who owns a PBA team, also lauded the development.
“It’s a dream come true for our national athletes because in two years time they will have a modern sports facility that is at par with some of the best in the world,” Romero said.
Philippine Sports Commission Chair Butch Ramirez said a planning committee will be formed now that President Duterte has signed into law the construction of the center.
The committee will determine the location, requirement and specifics for the venue, which will take over Rizal Memorial Sports Center, Philsports Arena and Teachers Camp in Baguio as training hosts for the 1,000-plus members of the national team.
Ramirez said by end of the SEA Games—which will be held in yet another venue in Capas, Tarlac—actual work on the site should be underway.
“The issue of venue and requirement should be clear by that time,” Ramirez said. “There will be bidding, then if we have the money already, we can start work by Christmas.”