DEPUTY Speaker Mikee Romero has lauded Bataan for donating land where the state-of-the-art Philippine Sports Training Center, the official home of Filipino athletes, will be constructed.
“Being one of the authors of the law that creates the establishment of a modern sports complex, I am honored that our athletes will soon have a place where they can further polish their talents,” said Romero. “It will be their future home away from home.”
The provincial government of Bataan donated six lots with a land area of more or less 250,000 square meters in the municipality of Bagac, around three hours from Manila.
Apart from its historical feats, Romero said Bagac is rich in agricultural and aquatic resources that are essential in providing nutrients for national team pool members and promising athletes.
“Because of its natural wonders, Bagac is a perfect training ground and it’s away from the madding crowd in the metropolis,” he added.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez received the deed of donation from Bataan Gov. Albert Raymond Garcia last week.
Romero, who owns the NorthPort team in the PBA apart from being one of the founding directors of the Philippine National Federation of Polo Players, said the creation of the PSTC will be regarded as a landmark sports project.
The P3.5 billion sports complex will be used for archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, taekwondo, karate, judo, wrestling, cycling (velodrome), dance sport, football, gymnastics, handball, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, shooting, softball, squash, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, wall climbing, water polo and weightlifting.
“It’s a dream come for our national athletes because in three to four years they will have a state-of-the-art facility that is at par with some of the best in the world,” Romero said. “It can also play host to future international events. More than that, it can provide livelihood for local residents.”
Romero said giving PSC sufficient funding is high on their agenda in the Congress.
