Bukidnon: The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has identified a training hub where national boxers can prepare for major international competitions. PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio and Senator Miguel Zubiri toured the newly built 13-hectare Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Malaybalay on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gregorio expressed enthusiasm about the facilities, stating, "I'm very happy to be here. Thumbs up to the development of your province and city -- such beautiful facilities. I've seen many training centers around the world and this is truly world-class." Zubiri, who has been instrumental in the development of the complex in his home province, accompanied Gregorio during the tour. The complex features a 15,000-seat stadium, an eight-lane track and field oval, a football field, and an aquatics center with an Olympic-size swimming pool and diving pool.
The facility also includes a 3,000-seat gymnasium designed for basketball, badminton, and martial arts, along with four tennis courts, an open field for outdoor events, an auditorium for cultural performances, and a museum. Bukidnon Governor Oneil Roque and Malaybalay City Mayor Warren Pabillaran joined the tour, expressing their support for Gregorio's proposal to designate the complex as a regional training center for national athletes.
Zubiri emphasized his commitment to supporting regional training centers, stating, "We'll support your regional training centers -- that's our commitment in the Senate. Mayor Warren and Governor O'Neil are here with us. We are one Bukidnon, so rest assured you'll have our full support. We're proud to host the boxing team." He also mentioned plans to open the track and field oval to the public, similar to the initiatives at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports Complex.
Gregorio highlighted the PSC's broader role in fostering regional training centers, citing a directive from the Office of the President. He explained, "We mapped out all potential training centers nationwide and presented them to the President. We aim to develop these within 12 to 18 months. In Zamboanga, for example, there are 300 young weightlifters -- it's their focus sport, and they're winning in international competitions."
Coach Elmer Pamisa, who trains numerous boxers in Cagayan de Oro, praised the facility, expressing optimism about the province's capability to host national boxers. National coach Mario Fernandez, originally from Malaybalay, is also supportive, as he is currently training young boxers from Bukidnon in Baguio City.
Interest in the Bukidnon Sports Complex extends beyond boxing, with the muay thai and sepak takraw national teams expressing interest in training there. Additionally, the football field is set to receive an artificial pitch following a commitment from Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez to apply for a grant from the International Football Federation (Fifa).
