PAGCOR and PSC Collaborate to Complete PH Sports Facilities

Several sports facilities around the country will be completed and upgraded under a collaboration between the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announced this on Monday, Jan. 19, following a meeting with the two agencies last week. During a meeting on Jan. 15, PAGCOR and PSC agreed to collaborate on completing and upgrading key sports infrastructure across the country. “Magtutulungan ang PAGCOR at PSC para bigyan ng tamang pasilidad, tamang suporta, at maayos na espasyo para mahasa ang galing ng mga Pilipino (The PAGCOR and PSC will work together to provide proper facilities, appropriate support, and suitable environment to hone the talents of Filipinos),” Recto said. “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,” he added. Among the key facilities to be completed is the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building, which will house training venues for bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other sports. This partnership will also fast-track the development of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao into a specialized watersports training facility and academy for surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing. The broader Siargao Sports Complex will likewise be upgraded to include facilities for basketball, volleyball, badminton, a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center. In Mindanao, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex will be transformed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula. The Athletic Bowl in Baguio City is currently undergoing rehabilitation and augmentation to serve as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras. This will feature a track and field oval with grandstand, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other athletic amenities. According to Recto, beyond athlete training, these modern facilities are expected to boost sports tourism and enable the Philippines to host international competitions, further strengthening the country’s standing on the global sports stage. In addition to infrastructure development, PAGCOR will support PSC’s sports value chain empowerment initiatives, including a revitalized grassroots sports development program. This includes the provision of sports equipment nationwide, integration of sports education, coach empowerment, and the systematic identification and development of athletic talent