PH sports training center to usher in thriving sports industry

BAGAC, Bataan (PIA) — President Rodrigo R. Duterte expressed confidence that the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) will usher in the thriving sports industry in the country. 

In his message during the groundbreaking of the sports complex in Bagac town, he said this will be crucial in raising and developing more world-class athletes who will 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,” he said. 

Duterte likewise commended the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and provincial government of Bataan for realizing the project which would become the future home and primary venue for development of the nation’s athletes. 

He cited that the project shows the government’s concerted efforts and create a huge impact on the future of athletes and of the Filipino youth as a whole.

“It likewise proves that in order to achieve progress, to address the needs of our people and provide efficient, responsive, and inclusive services that they justly deserve, we need to uphold the ideals of synergy and collaboration with the whole-of-government approach,” he said. 

For his part, PSC Chairperson William Ramirez stressed that the creation of the training center is seen to support the reawakening of the Filipino athletes’ dream and vigor. 

“In the past years, under this administration, we have seen records broken, overcome, and set. We have seen performances at the best ever category, best finish, best medal achievement, and most number of qualifiers in the Olympics. We have seen many firsts. First world champions, first lady winners, and first Olympic gold. It has been truly a sports renaissance,” he said,  

The PTSC, he added, is going to be one major birth for which continuance of sports renaissance will be anchored on. 

With this, Ramirez thanked the provincial government of Bataan for donating 25 hectares of land for the facility, citing that the place will be monumental in the history of Philippine sports and will be a legacy to live by not only for the athletes, but for the Bataenos and the whole country, especially for the young people.

 “I think it is just fitting that the home of our champions will be erected here in Bagac where the heroic laying down of lives for flag and country of simple citizens mirrors the sacrifice that our athletes go through in their journey towards victory,” he said. 

PSTC was created by virtue of Republic Act 11214, which was signed by Duterte on February 14, 2019. 

The state-of-the-art sports hub will feature numerous facilities for administrative, sports science, medical, and dormitories for athletes and coaches; with sports amenities for 39 Olympic and non-Olympic sports.

A P3.5 billion budget has been set for the construction of the facility. It is scheduled to be completed by 2025. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)