BAGAC, Bataan — A state-of-the-art training center for national athletes funded
for P3.5 billion will soon rise in a 25-hectare land here after no less than President
Duterte led in its groundbreaking Friday.
In his message, the President expressed confidence that the Philippine Sports
Training Center (PSTC) will greatly contribute to the thriving sports industry in the
country.
He said that the training center will be crucial in raising and developing more
world-class athletes to represent the Philippines in international competitions.
“I am excited to know that once completed, this state-of-the-art and highly
scientific sports complex will be instrumental not only in honing the skills and
talents of our athletes, coaches, and referees, but also in boosting their morale as
they compete locally, and hopefully globally,” Duterte said.
He commended both the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under chairman
William Ramirez and the provincial government of Bataan led by Gov. Albert
“Abet” Garcia for the realization of the gigantic project.
The president said that the project will create a huge impact on the future of
athletes and of the Filipino youth as a whole. Senator Bong Go, Senate committee
on sports chair, joined the groundbreaking.
Ramirez for his part emphasized that the building of the training center will
further support the re-awakening of the dream and vigor of Filipino athletes.
He said that the PSTC will be monumental in the history of Philippine sports and
will be a legacy to live by not only for the athletes but for Bataeños and the whole
country, especially for the youth.
Garcia cited the beauty and serenity of the surroundings with mountains and the
sea at the background. He said that athletes training in the PSTC will be inspired
by the heroism of World War II heroes because they can view from a distance the
historic Mount Samat.
“We will start training athletes in the province,” declared the outgoing governor
who is the elected congressman of Bataan’s second district.
Clemente Tagubara, Jr., one of the national athletes present, said he was happy
with the creation of the new training center. “Maganda ang lugar, maganda klima
at maganda para sa katawan,” the wushu player said.
Rep. Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III explained that the PSTC placed under the
supervision of the PSC was created by virtue of RA 11214 signed by President
Duterte on Feb. 14, 2019.
“Natutuwa ako na ang PSC board ay nag-decide na sa Bataan itayo ang bagong
tahanan ng atletang Pilipino na may pondong P3.5B kaya inaasahang magiging
world-class ang mga sports facilities to the benefit of national athletes,” said Joet,
the incoming governor.
He said that the country’s athletes have good performance, bringing home from
international competitions more medals.
“Kaya napapanahon na magkaroon na ng bagong training center upang lalong
humusay at maraming ma-enganyong Filipino na maging national athletes para sa
iba’t ibang larangan ng sports,” Joet said.
He said that the provincial government donated to PSC the land in barangay
Parang for the training center with an area of 250,000 square meters.
To be built in the area are numerous facilities like administrative building, athletes
and coaches’ dormitory, baseball field, beach volleyball courts, bowling center,
conference and seminar hall, covered swimming and diving pool, football field,
gymnastic center, multi-purpose gymnasium.
Also to be constructed are multi-purpose field, rugby pitch, skeet and trap range,
softball field, track and field oval, tennis courts, velodrome, villas for guests,
sports science building, mess hall, recreation hall, library, weight training building
school buildings, medical center and worship and meditation room.
The PSTC is expected to include sports facilities and amenities for the Olympic
sports and other non-Olympic sports such as aquatics, archery, arnis, athletics,
badminton, baseball, basketball, billiards and snookers, BMX and cycling, bowling,
boxing, chess, dance sports, fencing, and football.
Also, floorball, futsal, handball, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, judo, lawn tennis, muay Thai,
petanque, rugby, sambo, shooting, softball, softball, soft tennis, squash, table
tennis, taekwando, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu.
Witnessing the groundbreaking were Vice-Gov. Cris Garcia, members of the
provincial board and mayors.
