By ZEA CAPISTRANO
DAVAO CITY – Finally, sports enthusiasts in Mindanao will have its own world-class sports facility soon.
In a statement on Thursday, the provincial government of Davao Oriental said the sports facility is being built in a 12-hectare area in Barangay Don Martin Marundan, Mati City. The sports complex has a total area of 119,940 square meters.
The project for the construction of the Davao Oriental Provincial Sports Complex broke ground last January 2020 and is currently in its first phase of construction.
“Currently, the construction is in its first phase which includes road network, drainage, site preparation, and fencing. The project is being hoped to be completed within the next few years,” the provincial government said.
Once completed, the sports complex is expected to house a 29,000-sq.m. football field, track oval and stadium that has 10,000-seating capacity.
It will also boast of 8,600-sq.m. athletics field, an archery field, ball games area, a 8,600-sq. m. aquatics center and a 5,200-sq.m. athletes’ village, sports commission and training gym.
The facility will have a dormitory for athletes to house athletes from other municipalities or provinces participating in sports events. It will also have administrative and reception buildings, parking and commercial spaces.
“More than just a sports center, the sports facility will also feature a forest park and playground, which complies with the green building design standards,” it added.
Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said the project aims to make the province “a new hub for sporting events in the region and even in the country.”
Dayanghirang added that the complex will “not only help inspire local athletes but will also draw more opportunities for the province in terms of investments and tourism.”
The sports facility could be the answer to the prayers of Mindanao athletes to be discovered and trained properly. It will also create jobs for Mindanao folks.
