BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared several ongoing and upcoming developments in the Summer Capital’s sports facilities during the recent pre-departure orientation of President Fidel V. Ramos (PFVR) Gymnasium for Baguio athletes joining in the Palarong Pambansa at Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31, this year.
He said the ongoing Athletic Bowl oval rehabilitation is expected to be completed by July this year and plans are underway for the rehabilitation of the diving pool, while a month-long feasibility study is being conducted to determine the most suitable heating system, whether gas or electric.
The city’s athletic complex is also being eyed as a regional training center where national and local athletes can train together for high-altitude sports preparation with improvements to the facility’s lighting system set to be implemented following concerns over high electricity expenses recorded in 2019.
Meanwhile, the athletes’ quarters will be upgraded to accommodate more than 90 athletes, particularly during major sporting events and a wall-climbing facility at the back of the complex is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
For the tennis court, existing installations will be removed to meet national standards, with rehabilitation targeted for completion next year. Planned upgrades include spectator covers, canopies, and the establishment of a restaurant, with a prospective operator already identified.
Enhancements are also planned for the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) area, which is currently being used by students for training.
The grandstand will undergo improvements, including the installation of proper seating modeled after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) tennis court design while existing seats with backrests will be removed to prevent damage, although they may still be used as individual seating.
Lighting within the athletic complex will also be improved to ensure adequate illumination during nighttime activities.
Outside the complex, developments are planned for the football field which may be elevated by up to three meters including parking spaces for around 1,008 vehicles, while an artificial grass field above the parking area is envisioned to host football and international sporting events. Archery facilities will also be integrated into the area.
Additionally, near Ganza Restaurant, plans are being considered for the construction of a three-story parking building with a basement, pending confirmation through a technical study. The project is estimated to cost around P646 million and will be government-operated.
Magalong expressed support for the PSC proposal to establish a multi-purpose sports complex inside Camp John Hay that will accommodate various sports such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, pickleball, and others.
Once completed, Baguio will have three major sports complexes: the Athletic Bowl Sports Complex, Teacher’s Camp and Camp John Hay.-Kyth Dongga-as/PIO-Baguio Intern/gabykeith
