By Nick Giongco
The 88-year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) and other facilities owned by the government is undergoing a massive rehabilitation amounting to R1.5-billion in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Deputy Executive Director Guillermo Iroy said that while the façade of the RMSC won’t be touched given heritage site classification, everything else will be subjected to repairs and refurbishments.
The Rizal Coliseum, venue of countless landmark sporting events, will finally be turned into an air-conditioned venue aside from its seating getting an upgrade.
Just like the coliseum, the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, located on the fringes of the 8.4-hectare property, will be undergoing major repairs.
“The Ninoy Aquino Stadium hasn’t been used for a long time because of the busted air conditioning and the broken seats and damaged flooring,” said Iroy.
To make it flood-resistant, the stadium will be restructured.
“We will add more height to it,” said Iroy, noting that the neighboring bowling center will be torn down to give way to a new building.
The money that will be used to fund the construction and repairs will come from the PSC’s bank account.
PSC chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez said the agency has money to spend for the rehabilitation not only of the competition venues but the athletes’ quarters as well.
Many of the venues that will be repaired will be used to host events for the Nov. 30-Dec. 10 SEAG.
“The RMSC will be utilized as venues aside from those being held in the New Clark Green City in Capas, Tarlac,” said Ramirez.
Several construction firms have expressed their desire to take part in the repairs since “the job cannot be handled by just one firm,” said Iroy.
Even the Philsports in Pasig and the Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City are going to be subjected to repairs as these serve as housing for national athletes.
The RMSC also houses a track oval and a football field that will act as the main hub of the football matches.
“The semifinals and finals of football are going to be played here at Rizal,” said Iroy.
