The construction of the seven-story athletes’ dormitory and training facility inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila commenced through a groundbreaking ceremony conducted on September 13, making a major upgrade of the former boxing and pencak silat training site.
The facility will serve more than a hundred athletes and will provide a modernized and safe living accommodation for them, together with modern training gyms for boxing and pencak silat athletes, made possible by the efforts of Sen. Pia Cayetano.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann underscores the significance of this project in line with the agency’s mandate of providing outstanding service that always prioritizes the welfare of athletes.
Bachmann said the dormitory will serve as their second home away from their respective families, while chasing their dream of building a legacy for the Philippines.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Senator Cayetano recalled her past as a national athlete for volleyball that kept her dreaming to make a significant impact on Philippine sports as a lawmaker.
The former athlete turned senator said it takes a village to raise an athlete, stressing that one objective of this dormitory is to establish harmony among members of the national training pool and build a supportive environment.
Symbolizing the start of this project, Senator Cayetano and Chairman Bachmann, together with Comm. Walter Torres, Comm. Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo, and other PSC officials; District Engineer Manny Bulusan of the Department of Public Works and Highways; and Philippine long-jump queen Elma Muros-Posadas, buried the time capsule which will be opened again years from now, signifying the growth made by this project.
Meanwhile, athletes expressed their excitement about the completion of the dorm and training facility as it will provide them accommodation while they train in other training facilities inside the RMSC.
Members of the national training pool — from baseball, softball, sepak takraw, indoor hockey, and weightlifting — also witnessed the groundbreaking rite.
