Manila: State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) awarded a PHP100-million grant to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte for the construction of a sports and research facility.

According to Philippines News Agency, Casino Filipino Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Danilo Tejano formally handed over the grant check to Senior Board Member Rafael Medina on behalf of Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc during the turnover ceremony on June 20.

PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco stated that the project aims to uplift athletes and inspire future generations while enhancing Ilocos Norte's capacity to develop sustainable world-class sports programs.

The grant will partially finance the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research (INSPIRE) Training Development Center and Dormitory, a flagship project with a total cost of PHP400 million. Once completed, the INSPIRE complex will serve as a hub for athletic training, sports science research, and athlete housing, contributing to sports development in northern Luzon.