The Senate on Monday approved on final reading a bill that would mandate the creation of a “state-of-the-art and highly scientific sports complex.”
“We believe that it is high time that our athletes be given the state-of-the-art facilities needed for the nourishment of their talents,” Senator Manny Pacquiao, who sponsored and authored the bill, said in a statement.
Pacquiao also chairs the Senate Committee on Sports.
“Now is the best opportunity for us to give the best support to our athletes,” Pacquiao added.
Under Senate Bill 1716, or the Philippine Amateur Sports Training Center Act, the Philippine Amateur Sports Training Center (PASTC) will be created.
The senator said the training center “will include facilities and amenities, which would include different equipment and courts necessary for bringing out the best in our athletes.”
The PASTC will serve as the primary venue for the training and development of athletes in the national teams.
The center, likewise, would also be mandated to contribute to sports science and research, accommodate training of coaches and referees, and host local and international competitions.
“Research states that ‘a viable environment and standard sports facilities’ have a positive effect on the development of the performance of athletes and promotion of sports,” Pacquiao said.
The senator also noted that such a training center would build the Filipino athletes’ competence and character and help the country to dominate in the Southeast Asian Games.
“Our world-class athletes have been giving their best to shine in the global platform. However, our committed athletes have yet to show their fullest potentials,” Pacquiao said
“The Philippine government has so much to give in exchange of their relentless efforts. For one, we can provide a training center where they can develop their skills and their abilities,” he added.
The senator pointed out that existing training facilities like the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the PhilSports Arena are already “out of date.”
“When I did an ocular inspection of the Philippine Sports Commission compound, I have seen for myself the sad condition of the facility. It is disorganized. It is dilapidated and the facilities don’t cater to the needs of our athletes.”
Pacquiao also expressed grief over the death of a 12-year-old wushu athlete after falling from his bunk bed inside the athletes dormitory.
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“Our athletes deserve better. They deserve our best efforts,” he said.
The bill was co-sponsored by Senator Sonny Angara, vice chair of the Senate sport s committee, and was also co-authored by Senators Bam Aquino IV and Joel Villanueva.
The bill was approved with 18 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and zero abstention. /ee