Escudero: PBBM infra programs to propel Sorsogon to greater progress

Inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena last Thursday, October 17, 2024. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of PCO

SORSOGON CITY — The infrastructure projects under the Marcos administration are expected to push the province toward greater progress and development, Senate President Francis Escudero said on Thursday.

Escudero welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who led the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena (SSA) in Barangay Balogo, this city, on the occasion of the province’s 130th anniversary and the 50th Kasanggayahan Festival.

“Mr. President, we are not done yet and we still have a long way to go. I fully believe that with your help under your administration and the government’s Build Back Better, we can do a lot more, prove, and see so that we can realize our dream and goals for our mother province,” Escudero said in his message.

Some ongoing multi-year projects expected to be completed in the province under the present administration are the Sorsogon Coastal Road in Sorsogon City, Donsol-Pilar-Castilla Road, and Bacon-Manito Road.

Escudero admitted that residents of the province previously lacked pride about being from Sorsogon.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Senate President Francis Escudero during the Inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena last Thursday, October 17, 2024. The President joined the people of Sorsogon for the 50th celebration of the Kasanggayahan Festival. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of PCO

“But now, whenever someone asks us where we are from, the people from Sorsogon will answer with their heads raised, I am from Sorsogon, I am a Sorsogonanon,” he added.

The President recognized the newly completed sports arena as a symbol of persistence toward development for the Bicol region, particularly in Sorsogon province.

“That is why we cannot deny that the Sorsogon Sports Arena is a symbol of progress. It [reflects] the continuous efforts, perseverance, and development of Sorsogonans and Bicolanos,” Marcos said.

He said the SSA is also an important step in developing the youth who possess great potential in sports.

“With the help of this [arena], they will be allowed to hone their talents further,” the President said.

Marcos said aside from being a sports training facility, the SSA could also be used for conferences, summits, concerts, and competitions.

The SSA is a 37,794.01-square-meter sports facility, patterned after the Colosseum in Rome.

With an estimated seating capacity of 12,000 people, it can accommodate athletes and other guests in its 139 rooms, including 39 dorm-type rooms with 560-bed capacity.

It has two infirmaries, an eight-lane rubberized track and field area, and a huge space for other sporting events. (PNA)