PSC eyeing IS campus as new training center

The former International School compound in Makati could become the national athletes’ main training ground in the near future.

Philippine Sports Commission acting executive director Guillermo Iroy Jr. said the commission is considering converting the old IS campus into a national training center since the venue has amenities and facilities in place.

And compared to the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Iroy said the Makati venue is more conducive to training.

"Masyado nang maraming disturbances ang Rizal Memorial Stadium. Hindi na rin talaga maganda para tigilan o tirahan ng mga atleta ang mga quarters.

Hindi mo rin naman sila puwedeng ilayo dito sa Metro Manila dahil karamihan sa kanila nagaaral dito," said Iroy.

The acting PSC executive director said they have already wrote Malacañang a letter, looking at the possibility of their takeover of the control and management of the venue.

"It belongs to the government. Expired na ang kontrata ng school kaya iniwanan na. Maganda at malaki ang buong complex at mahigit na 3,000 ang athletes na kasya. I-remodel lang natin ang mga classrooms at palagyan ng centralized aircon para maramdaman naman ng mga pambansang atleta na sila ang ating mga bagong bayani at sila ay espesyal ," said Iroy.

"Kumpletong-kumpleto ang facilities at puwede pa na mag-opisina ang mga national sports associations (NSA’s). May close fence na rin at very secured ang lugar kaya talagang ideal na gawing training center.

Kulang na lang, doon na mag-aral ang mga athletes natin," Iroy added.

The old IS property has a football field, track oval, two covered basketball gyms, two Olympic-size swimming pools, three multi-purpose gyms, weight rooms, a gymnastics stadium, an auditorium, a tennis court and two canteens.