MALAYBALAY, Bukidnon — The Philippine Sports Commission’s vision of establishing a regional training center for national boxers has officially come to life.
In a landmark move, the PSC and the provincial government of Bukidnon signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) designating the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Malaybalay as training ground for elite Filipino boxers in Mindanao.
Boasting world-class amenities, the sprawling complex features a track and field oval, football field, Olympic-size swimming and diving pools, and a 3,000-seat indoor gymnasium for basketball, badminton, and martial arts.
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It will now be home to the Philippine national boxing team, the first of several national squads to train at the facility.
“I am very happy to open this facility because it is the right thing to do for Philippine sports and it all starts here in Bukidnon,” said PSC chairman Pato Gregorio during the ceremonial signing on Wednesday, where he was joined by Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Zubiri, a key proponent of the initiative, emphasized the broader vision: “Imagine if we put regional centers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, we will attract the best of the best.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to decentralize athlete development and tap into regional talent.
Following the boxing team, other national sports federations are set to utilize the complex, including Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association Inc., Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc., and PhilCycling.
Zubiri also led Gregorio on a tour of the expansive facility, which includes a 15,000-seat stadium, an eight-lane track, football field, and aquatics center.
Future proposed developments are already in the pipeline such as the construction of four tennis courts, a softball/baseball diamond, an open field for outdoor events, an auditorium for cultural performances, and a museum.
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