First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos backs President Marcos in his mission to enhance sports facilities for Filipino athletes

First Lady of the Philippines Liza Araneta-Marcos visited the Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena (Philsports Arena) in Pasig City on Friday, June 13, to inspect the facilities and support available to Filipino athletes.

Araneta-Marcos’ visit aimed to assess the needs of the athletes representing the country in international sports competitions and evaluate the support provided to them. The First Lady also took to social media to support her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his goal of improving facilities and assistance for national athletes.

“They compete for our flag and country, often with limited support. The least we can do is provide them with what they deserve: world-class training facilities, decent dorms, and a proper space to honor the rich history of Philippine sports,” Araneta-Marcos wrote in her post.

Bumisita si First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos sa Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena sa Pasig City noong Biyernes, Hunyo 13.

Sinalubong siya ni Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto at sinamahan sa pag-iikot sa pasilidad.

Courtesy: Liza Marcos/Facebook#PilipinasToday… pic.twitter.com/JQ2vrSHakT

— Pilipinas Today (@PilipinasToday_) June 16, 2025

The 65-year-old also thanked Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for giving her a tour of the facilities.

“We are committed to fulfilling the President’s directive — to build better facilities and cultivate a deeper respect for the athletes who represent our country with pride,” she added.

President Marcos is known for his support of Filipino sports and athletes, even hosting Filipino Olympians and Paralympians at the Malacañang Palace following their participation in the 2024 Olympic Games.

The Philippines has become a top destination for hosting international tournaments, particularly in volleyball and basketball. In fact, the Philsports Arena has served as the venue for the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, the 2015 Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championship, the 2022 Asian Women’s Volleyball Cup, the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship, and the upcoming 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League.

The Philsports Arena, formerly known as the University of Life Theater and Recreational Arena (ULTRA), has also hosted major international sporting events in the past, including the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 1981, 1991, and 2019.

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