Hosting national and even international sports competition is now a reality as Benguet province formally inaugurated the more than 7,000 seating capacity gymnasium inside the Benguet Sports Complex.
Congressman Eric Go Yap, together with Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas, Vice Gov. Johnny Wagis and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways led the inauguration of the FIBA standard gymnasium.
Improvements will still be needed though according to Yap who is looking for additional funding to further improve the gym.
“Ipa-enhance natin itong gym, parang NBA na may nakikitang monitor kasi gusto natin meron tayong ipagyayabang sa buong Pilipinas,” said Yap.
Yap earlier earmarked P30 million for the improvement of gym which covers the completion of the multipurpose gymnasium, improvement of the flooring of the court and bleachers, as well as lighting for the gym.
The solon said once additional improvements are completed, Benguet is poised to host national and even international sports event.
“Pangarap ko talaga na makapag host tayo ng Palarong Pambansa. So in order para makuha natin, syempre dapat kaaya - aya yung lugar,” added Yap. Yap is also optimistic the on - going rehabilitation and upgrading of the sports complex will be completed by March 2022.
"I trust the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) na yung nakalagay na March 2022 deadline e mameet nila yun," said Yap.
The solon sourced out P165 million for the improvement of the sports complex, which started this year.
Yap assured the rubberized track oval will meet international standard while the existing grandstand will be demolished to give way for a grander stadium with rooms for athletes below the bleachers.
Although the deadline is still five months away, Yap expressed his dismay over the snail-paced progress of the rehabilitation.
Yap added something substantial must be done in the ongoing improvement of the sports complex to prime up Benguet as potential host to various local, regional, national and even international sports competitions. The solon said the improvement of the facilities will aid the province and help athletes in their training.
“The sports complex is for the benefit of athletes, hopefully wag naman sanang idelay yung proyekto kasi yung mga taong bayan ang mag susuffer,” added Yap.
Aside from improving Benguet’s infrastructure and social services, Yap is also at the forefront of promoting sports in the province.
Since becoming Benguet's caretaker, Yap has been backing world renowned MMA squad Team Lakay as they both look for an ample space that will accommodate a world class standard gym complete with amenities.
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