The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) have agreed to collaborate on the completion and upgrading of key sports infrastructure nationwide to strengthen athlete development and support the government’s push for world-class Filipino athletes.

The partnership was discussed during a meeting with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Jan. 15, as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader goal of positioning the Philippines as a competitive sporting nation.

“Through this partnership, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to investing in Filipino potential, building not only champions in sports, but also national pride and opportunity for communities across the country,” Recto said in a statement on Monday.

Both PAGCOR chair Alejandro Tengco and PSC chair John Patrick Gregorio were present during the meeting.

Among the priority projects is the completion of the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building, which will serve as a training hub for bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other disciplines.

The partnership will also accelerate the development of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao into a specialized watersports training facility and academy for surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing.

The broader Siargao Sports Complex will be upgraded to include facilities for basketball, volleyball, badminton, a rubberized track oval, an athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center.

In Mindanao, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex will be developed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula, while the Athletic Bowl in Baguio City is undergoing rehabilitation to serve as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras, featuring a track oval with grandstand, Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other facilities.

Aside from athlete training, the modernized sports facilities are expected to boost sports tourism and enable the country to host international competitions.

PAGCOR will also support PSC’s sports value chain empowerment initiatives, including grassroots sports development, nationwide distribution of sports equipment, coach empowerment, sports education integration, and systematic talent identification. (PNA)