Makati unveils world-class swimming facility

International swimming and diving competitions can now be held in Makati City, the country’s business and financial capital.

The locality now boasts of a world-class swimming facility called the Makati Aqua Sports Center which was officially inaugurated last Feb. 3. It features, among others, an Olympic-size swimming pool that is complemented by a smaller warm-up pool.

The world-class swimming facility, now open to the public, is located along the J.P. Rizal Extension in Barangay West Rembo, Makati City.

Mayor Jejomar Binay and other city officials and guests led the unveiling of the Olympic-size swimming pool whose design was based on international standards.

He proudly announced that the facility conforms with the standards set by the FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur) International Amateur Swimming and Diving Federation.

"Makati’s Olympic-size pool can be considered an "almost perfect pool," Binay said believing that the facility will attract tourists and potential investors.

Binay said the city government ensured the facility’s full compliance with FINA standards so it can bid for the hosting of international swimming and diving competitions.

"Beyond promoting a very relaxing form of exercise and recreation among our constituents, this new facility will serve as an ideal training ground for homegrown swimming champions," he said.

Located beside the Makati Park and Garden, the facility realizes a P67-million project that brings to life a 21 meters x 50 meters, eight lane, and five feet deep main pool.

City Engineer Nelson Morales said the smaller warm-up pool, on the other hand, measures 10 meters x 20 meters and is four feet deep.

The new facility covers a total land area of about 4,000 square meters which is now dedicated to sports development.

Binay said the construction of the facility is part of the Makati Development Agenda for the 21st Century dubbed the "Makati 21" master plan.