New home for Philippine athletes rising

MANILA, Philippines — A new home for athletes and coaches in the national pool will soon rise in Mariveles, Bataan.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez yesterday said the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC), which was made possible through the enactment of Republic Act 11214 two years ago, will be built on a 25-hectare property in Mariveles that was recently donated by the Bataan Province.

Ramirez, along with commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin and national training director Marc Velasco, will sign the deed of donation with Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia today in Mariveles.

Also expected to grace the signing is Sen. Bong Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports.

“Long overdue na ito just like NAS (National Academy of Sports),” said Ramirez, who is celebrating his birthday today.

When finished, Ramirez said the PSTC would serve as a primary venue for members of the national pool.

It can also host local and international events in track and field, aquatics, baseball, softball, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, table tennis, football, shooting, archery bowling, weightlifting and various martial arts or contact sports.

The national athletes are currently “homeless” and searching for potential godfathers from local government units (LGUs) as the country’s biggest sports facilities in Manila and Pasig are currently being utilized as COVID-19 quarantine and testing centers.