PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure establishing a national sports training facility that will be known as the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC).
The center is created through Republic Act (RA) 11214, which Duterte signed on February 14, in an effort to boost the country's competitiveness in international sports competitions.
"It is the policy of the State to promote and develop sports in the country, to achieve excellence in international sports competitions, to ensure success in the country's quest to achieve competitiveness in the Olympic Games and to promote international amity among nations," the law states.
The sports complex will serve as the "official home and primary venue" for the development of athletes in the National Team and its corresponding training pools included in the list of sports contemplated therein, through the use of scientific principles and programs, proven training techniques, and modern equipment and facilities at par with international standards.
Six months upon the effectivity of RA 11214, the sports complex shall be constructed within 18 months in a location "suitable and conducive to high-level training of athletes, coaches, and referees."
The PSTC's facilities and amenities include administration building; athletes and coaches' dormitory; baseball field; beach volleyball courts; bowling center; conference and seminar hall; covered swimming and diving pool; football field; gymnastics center; multi-purpose field; rugby pitch; skeet and trap range; softball field; track and field oval; tennis courts; and velodrome.
It will also have villas for guests; sports science building; mess hall; recreation hall; library; weight training building; school buildings; medical center; and worship and meditation room.
RA 11214 gives the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) the authority to administer, manage, operate, and maintain the PSTC, including the administration of incidental income, security of the complex, assignment of personnel and hiring of managers, specialists, and other administrative staff.
The PSC is also tasked to employ "professional and highly-skilled" managers with long and vast experience in sports administration and management to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of the PSTC and its facilities and other amenities.
The ownership of the sports training facility is vested upon the PSC, the law states.
The PSC chair is required to submit a report to the chairpersons of the Sente sports committee and the House youth and sports development committee on a quarterly basis regarding the status of the construction of the PSTC until its completion.
Some P3.2 million needed for the construction of the PSTC shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The amount necessary for the maintenance, operation, and management of the PSTC shall be included in the PSC's budget in the GAA.
The Palace released a copy of the newly-signed law on Tuesday, February 19. (SunStar Philippines)