The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are set to strengthen their partnership in a wide-ranging initiative aimed at upgrading sports infrastructure nationwide, a move seen as a major step toward developing world-class Filipino athletes and elevating the country’s overall sporting ecosystem.
The collaboration was formalized following a meeting led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto with officials from the PSC and PAGCOR at Malacañang on January 15. The discussions were held in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader vision of transforming the Philippines into a competitive sporting nation and reinforcing government support for elite athlete development.
Under the proposed partnership, PSC and PAGCOR will jointly fund and oversee the construction, completion, and refurbishment of key sports facilities across various regions of the country. The goal is to provide Filipino athletes with modern, accessible, and high-quality training environments that meet international standards.
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“PAGCOR and PSC will work together to provide the right facilities, the right support, and a proper space for Filipinos to hone their skills. Through this partnership, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to investing in Filipino potential, building not only champions in sports, but also national pride and opportunity for communities across the country,” Recto said in a statement.
One of the flagship projects under the collaboration is the completion of the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building. Once finished, the facility will house specialized training venues for multiple sports, including bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other emerging and traditional disciplines. The institute is envisioned to serve as a hub for athlete training, research, and sports science in Northern Luzon.
The partnership will also prioritize the immediate refurbishment of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao, which will be converted into a specialized watersports training facility and academy. The upgraded venue is expected to cater to surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing—sports that align with Siargao’s natural coastal advantages and growing reputation as an international surfing destination.
In addition, plans are underway to enhance the Siargao Sports Complex by adding facilities for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center. These upgrades aim to support both grassroots development and elite-level training while enabling the island to host national and regional competitions.
In Mindanao, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex is slated to be transformed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula. The facility will cater to athletes from surrounding provinces, offering centralized access to training programs, competitions, and sports services.
Another major project involves the rehabilitation of the Athletic Bowl in Baguio City, which will be designated as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras. The upgraded complex will feature a modern track and field oval with a grandstand, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other athletic amenities designed to support year-round training in the highlands.
Beyond athlete development, both PSC and PAGCOR emphasized that the infrastructure upgrades are expected to generate broader economic and social benefits. Improved sports facilities are seen as catalysts for sports tourism, community engagement, and youth participation, while also positioning the Philippines as a viable host for international sporting events.
With these initiatives, the government hopes to create a sustainable pipeline of talent—from grassroots to elite competition—while ensuring that Filipino athletes are equipped with the facilities and support necessary to compete on the global stage.
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