27 June, 2017 – The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 5615, which seeks to establish a National Sports Training Center (NSTC) in Clark Green City, Pampanga, which shall be the home and training venue of the National Team, as well as of the coaches and referees, in the various sports. It is also intended to become the center for sports science and research development of the country.
The NSTC shall have facilities and amenities, which shall be at par with international standards, for the 32 Olympic sports and other non-Olympic sports, such as: Aquatics; Archery; Arnis; Athletics; Badminton; Baseball; Basketball; Billiard and Snookers; BMX and Cycling; Bowling; Boxing; Chess; Dance sport; Equestrian; Fencing; Football; Futsal; Handball; Gymnastics; Judo; Karatedo; Lawn Tennis; Muay Thai; Pencak Silat; Petanque; Rugby; Shooting; Softball; Soft Tennis; Squash; Table Tennis; Taekwondo; Triathlon; Volleyball; Weightlifting; Wrestling; and Wushu. Other sports which are not listed in the bill shall be made part of the NSTC’s sports training and development program.
The facilities shall include an administration building, dormitories for athletes, coaches and referees, sports science building, dining hall, recreation hall, sports library, conference rooms, worship/meditation room, and medical and dental clinic. The main office of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Institute of Sports (PIS) under the PSC, including the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame, shall be transferred to the NSTC.
Rep. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga (2nd District, Compostela Valley), a principal author of the bill, said the present training centers used by national athletes are outdated and not in tip-top condition.
“The athletes train day in and day out, but despite their efforts, winning in international competitions has always been an uphill battle. The absence of modern and scientific facilities to boost their skills and potentials is seen as a major liability. This bill seeks to mend the situation through the establishment of the NSTC,” said Gonzaga.
Gonzaga said that while the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex remains to be the biggest sports complex in the country and the main facility for the development and promotion of grassroots sports and multi-sectoral sporting activities, its facilities have now become obsolete. Also, with all the pollution and unfavorable conditions, Rizal Sports’ location at the heart of Manila has ceased to become an ideal environment for the training and well-being of the athletes, according to Gonzaga.
“Our national athletes deserve the best possible training opportunities so they can excel in international competitions. Our expectations must be coupled with support and action,” said Gonzaga.
Other principal authors of the bill include Reps. Mark Aeron H. Sambar (Party-list, PBA), Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo (Lone District, Aurora), Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan), and Manuel Monsour T. del Rosario III (1st District, Makati City). / ICY JR | HOR
