Ang Pahayagan

NEW CLARK CITY—The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to optimize the use of its properties for national sports development, as part of efforts to transform the country into a hub for world-class sports facilities.

Recently, BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang and PSC Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aims to modernize the country’s sports infrastructure by leveraging key BCDA assets.

Under the MOU, a joint task force will be formed to identify and assess BCDA properties that can be developed into premier training and sports facilities.

Priority areas include New Clark City, envisioned to host a national training center, and Baguio City, identified for the establishment of an additional high-performance facility.

“This partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission is a force multiplier. By linking BCDA’s land development capabilities with PSC’s national sports mission, together we are laying the groundwork for future champions and promoting a healthier, more active Filipino nation,” Bingcang stated. 

The initiative will also explore innovative funding models such as public-private partnerships, implement advanced design and construction methods, and establish professional management to ensure the creation of world-class, sustainable, and self-sufficient sports infrastructure.

Furthermore, this collaborative effort will maximize the use of government resources, promote long-term sports development, and foster a new era of excellence in Philippine sports. 

Gregorio, for his part, underscored the importance of grassroots development in accelerating the country’s sports agenda.

“The President’s directive is clear: build from the grassroots. We are building regional training centers across the country to speed up the national sports development agenda. Why? These are investments that combine youth empowerment with economic progress. I am happy the BCDA and PSC are equally committed to creating opportunities for regional development through sports,” he said. 

New Clark City, positioned as the country’s premier sports destination, boasts top-tier facilities, including the World Athletics-certified Athletics Stadium with a 20,000-seat capacity, featuring a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, as well as a four-lane warm-up track.

It also houses the World Aquatics-approved Aquatics Center, which has a total seating capacity of 2,000, a 10-lane competition pool, an eight-lane training pool, and a diving pool.

Additionally, the 525-unit Athletes’ Village provides accommodations for participating and training athletes in New Clark City. The rising metropolis also serves as home to the National Academy of Sports.

BCDA noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by creating opportunities for healthy lifestyles at every age, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through investments in resilient infrastructure and innovations in sports science and training. (PIA 3)

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Joshua Bingcang (second from right) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio (second from left) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the use of BCDA properties for national sports development. The signing was witnessed by BCDA Chairperson Larry Paredes (first from right) and PSC Commissioner Olivia Coo (first from left). (BCDA)