HOPING to develop world-class athletes, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the groundbreaking ceremony Friday for the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) in Bataan, stressing the needs of homegrown talents could be addressed through strong collaboration and whole-of-government approach.
In his speech during the ceremony, the President said that once completed, the state-of-the-art and highly scientific sports complex will be instrumental not only in the honing of the skills and talents of Filipino athletes, coaches, and referees, but also in boosting their morale as they compete elsewhere.
“With this facility, I am confident we will raise and develop more world-class athletes who will represent the Philippines in international competitions and usher in a thriving sports industry here in the country,” he said.
“As I am now near the end of my term, it is my hope that the succeeding administration will continue and complete this project as well as pursue other similar projects that would benefit our athletes in the years to come.”
President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for giving him the honor to witness the beginning of such a momentous undertaking for Philippine sports.
The President likewise commended everyone involved in the project, which he said, would become the future home and primary venue for the development of the nation’s athletes.
At the same time, he recognized the contribution and generosity of the Bataan provincial government for donating 25 hectares of land in Bagac for the establishment of the PSTC.
“This project shows how our concerted efforts can create a huge impact on the future of our athletes and of the Filipino youth as a whole,” he noted.