National boxers from Mindanao who are currently staying and training in Baguio City will soon have a homecoming of sorts.
This comes after Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio announced the completion of the Philippine boxing team’s regional training center (RTC) at the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
“I’m very happy that our young boxers from Mindanao who are in Baguio can now come home and return to their roots,” said Gregorio.
The PSC chairman, who has vowed to establish RTCs for different sports across the country, said the transition means the training camp in Baguio City will eventually cater only to boxers from Northern Luzon.
The PSC initiative follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the agency to build and develop RTCs in all regions.
“We promised the President provided that we receive support from the government and LGUs, with each LGU adopting a specific sport they wish to promote,” said Gregorio.
Gregorio said transforming the BSCC into a training ground for elite Filipino boxers and athletes from other sports did not happen overnight. He credited Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque, Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabilaran, Association of Boxing Alliances president Marcus Manalo, and ABAP regional director Atty. Oscar Moreno for their full support.
“As always, it takes a village to build programs and develop Olympic champions. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission under the leadership of Chairman Patrick Gregorio,” said Manalo.
The BSCC boasts a sprawling complex featuring 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.
“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 Gregorio when the Bukidnon project started last November.
“The PSC’s role goes beyond supporting national athletes. If we work harder and collaborate with LGUs, we can develop regional training centers.”
Aside from boxing, other sports that will make use of the RTC in Bukidnon include sepak takraw, karate, and cycling.
Also on the drawing board are four tennis courts, a softball/baseball diamond, an open field for outdoor events, an auditorium for cultural performances, and a museum.
“This facility is an investment in the dreams and potential of our young athletes in Bukidnon and Mindanao. With the support and backing of the PSC and ABAP, we are creating an environment where our boxers can train, compete, and aspire for excellence without having to leave their communities,” said Zubiri.
“We want to give our athletes the facilities they deserve and the opportunity to bring pride not only to Bukidnon, but to the entire Philippines,” he added.
To kick things off, ABAP staged the first edition of its education program for coaches and technical officials in Bukidnon.
“We’re very happy with the turnout and active participation of 65 coaches and technical officials from all over Northern Mindanao and nearby regions,” said Manalo.
“This is the start of our accreditation pathway for them. Any sports program is only as good as the quality of its coaches and technical officials since they are critical in athlete development, safety, competition quality and integrity of the sport,” he added.
