MANILA – The construction of the seven-story athletes’ dormitory and training facility inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila commenced through a groundbreaking ceremony held Wednesday, making a major upgrade of the former boxing and pencak silat training site.
The facility will serve more than a hundred athletes that will feature a modernized and safe living accommodation for them, together with an advanced training gyms for boxing and pencak silat athletes, made possible by the efforts of Senator Pia Cayetano.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann underscored the significance of this project in line with the agency’s mandate of providing an outstanding service that always prioritizes the welfare of the athletes.
“This dormitory will serve as their second home away from their respective families while chasing to build a legacy for the Philippines,” Bachmann said in a news release.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Cayetano recalled her past as a national athlete for volleyball that kept her dreaming to make a significant impact for Philippine sports as a lawmaker.
“It takes a village to raise an athlete. I really believe that athletes can be the symbol of perseverance and success for this country,” she said.
“Ito ay proyekto natin (This is our project) with the leadership of Philippine Sports Commission, your coaches, and my colleagues in the Senate who are supportive of this. We hope to continue to invest in sports for this country.”
Cayetano highlighted the athletes’ need for better support systems and facilities, including sports psychology and mental health programs, underscoring the importance of community support in developing athletes.
“They always say it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to raise an athlete. It really does,” she said.
Cayetano said one objective of dormitory is to establish harmony among members of the national training pool for building a supportive environment.
Symbolizing the start of this project, Cayetano and Bachmann joined other PSC officials and Department of Public Works and Highway District Engineer Manny Bulusan as well as former long jump queen Elma Muros-Posadas in burying the time capsule which will be opened again years from now, signifying the growth made by this project.
Meanwhile, athletes expressed their excitement about its completion which 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.
“Excited po kami, sana maging successful po ito. May bagong place po kaming mga atleta (We are excited, I hope this become successful. We athletes now have new place),” said Aldrin Colonia, a teenage weightlifter who hails from the bloodline of Olympians such as his uncle Gregorio and cousin Nestor. (PNA)