PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman Butch yesterday received the deed of donation from Bataan Gov. Albert Raymond “Abet” Garcia for the land on which the Philippine Sports Training Center will rise.
“I am so happy and excited on this newly forged partnership with the Provincial Government of Bataan. This will give our national athletes a new home as they continue to bring pride and honor to our country,” Ramirez said during the ceremonial signing and turnover rites.
Ramirez, who celebrated his 71st birthday yesterday, said the partnership “was one of the best birthday gifts” he has received.
Bataan donated six lots to the PSC with a land area of more or less 250,000 square meters in the municipality of Bagac. One provision of the deed of donation states that the infrastructure shall be constructed and completed by December 31, 2025, subject to extension upon agreement by the parties.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Philippine Sports Commission at sa lahat po ng nagtulong-tulong. Isa po itong magandang project para lalong gumaling ang ating mga atletang Pilipino,” Garcia said.
Ramirez said that after months of weighing options and offers, the PSC accepted the offer of Bataan given the strategic location of the venue and its significance in the country’s history where the heroic “laying down of lives” for flag and country of simple citizens mirror the sacrifice that athletes go through in their journey towards their goals.
Republic Act 11214, the law which created the PSTC, seeks “to promote and develop sports in the country, to achieve excellence in international sports competitions, to ensure success in the country’s quest to achieve competitiveness in the Olympic Games and to promote international amity among nations.”
The amount of P3.5 billion is appropriated by the law for the construction of the infrastructure and shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The amount is necessary to carry out other provisions of the act, particularly for the maintenance, operation, and management of the PSTC.
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.
