Parañaque to have own coliseum

MANILA, Philippines — A new and modern coliseum is set to be built in the heart of Parañaque, Mayor Eric Olivarez announced yesterday.

The new Parañaque City Coliseum will be situated beside the Parañaque City College at the corner of Cavitex and Victor Medina street, making it in the vicinity of Baclaran, the business district shared by Parañaque and Pasay, he added.

Olivarez made the announcement after a series of meetings with city sports officials and consultants.

He noted that the sports center is a project of his elder brother and predecessor Edwin Olivarez, “but was halted after the national government declared lockdowns amid COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.”

Olivarez said that city budget officer Alejandro Depano and city treasurer Anthony Pulmano assured him that the city coffers would have funds available next year for this multi-million government infrastructure project.

Under the engineering plan, he said, the coliseum will have a 5,000-seating capacity that will feature the most modern technology and sports equipment available in the market today.

Olivarez said that the sports center would be the official home court of the city’s men and women basketball team, volleyball team and other indoor sports like badminton and lawn and table tennis.

Olivarez, who is an international lawn tennis player, said many indoor games help to improve athlete’s awareness and consciousness and keep their brain active.

According to the mayor, the new coliseum will also be useful and suitable for graduation ceremonies, barangay events, beauty pageants and other city programs and activities.