“I am so happy and excited about this newly forged partnership with the provincial government of Bataan,” said Ramirez during the turnover rites at The Orient Bataan in Mariveles, Bataan.

“This will give our national athletes a new home as they continue to bring pride and honor to our country.”

The provincial government of Bataan donated six lots to the PSC with a land area of around 250,000 square meters in the Municipality of Bagac.

Moreover, among the provisions of the deed of donation is that the state-of-the-art sports hub shall be constructed and completed by December 31, 2025, subject to extension upon agreement by the parties.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Philippine Sports Commission at sa lahat po ng nagtulong-tulong. Isa po itong magandang project para lalong gumaling ang ating mga Atletang Pilipino,” said Gov. Garcia.

Ramirez, who celebrated his 71st birthday on the same day the ceremonial signing, said the partnership “was one of the best birthday gifts” he has received.

The training hub for Philippine national athletic teams that are set to rise soon in Bagac, Bataan will feature administrative, sports science, and medical facilities, as well as dormitories for athletes and coaches. Sports amenities for 39 Olympic and non-Olympic sports will also be available.

Republic Act 11214, the law which created the Philippine Sports Training Center, seeks 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.”

It was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last February 2019.

The amount of P3.5 billion is appropriated by the law for the construction of infrastructure and shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The said amount is necessary to carry out other provisions of the act, particularly for the maintenance, operation, and management of the PSTC.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, also graced the turnover ceremony and assured his support for PSTC.

“Kapag nagtutulungan po ang ating mga atleta at ang ating gobyerno ay malayo po ang ating mararating. Rest assured na suportado po namin itong PSTC,” Go said.

Gov. Garcia was accompanied by 2nd District of Bataan Representative Jose Enrique Garcia III, Municipal Mayor Maria Angela Garcia, and Engr. Emmanuel Pineda.

Meanwhile, Ramirez was joined by PSC commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Arnold Agustin, and Celia Kiram, and PSC national training director Marc Velasco.