PSC seeks DepEd nod for Baguio training site

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Sports Commission is hoping to get the green light from the Department of Education regarding the construction of additional training facilities inside the Teachers Camp in Baguio City.

Chairman Richie Garcia of the PSC is trying to set up a meeting with Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro as soon as possible.

The Teachers Camp, under the supervision of DepEd, is a hilly 23-hectare property surrounded by pine trees. It has 47 cottages that is being rented out to vacationers or groups holding seminars, conferences and other functions.

The PSC has its own share of the property, with a track oval, boxing gym and a dorm that houses most members of the Philippine track and field and boxing teams, including their coaches and trainers.

Garcia said at the center of it all is an empty space which the PSC could further use to train and house athletes and officials from a few other sports.

“The PSC has its track oval, dorm, boxing gym and staff house, and right in the middle of that is a property that has been idle for many years,” said Garcia.

“Since I sat down as PSC chairman (in 2010) it has been that way. We can use it for high-altitude training and strength and conditioning for our athletes,” the PSC chief said.

“We are ready to put money in that because I would rather send our athletes to Baguio to train than here in Manila,” Garcia added.

Garcia said once given the green light, it will not take a lot of time for the PSC to put up the facilities and increase the capacity of the athletes’ quarters.

Based on initial plans, pre-fabricated materials will be used, and Garcia said it will not cost the PSC a lot of money as long as the facilities are limited to sports that don’t require a lot of space.

Garcia said athletes from other combat sports can move over to Baguio.

The PSC has taken interest on the Baguio site following failed negotiations with the Clark International Airport Corporation regarding the lease of a 50-hectare property in Pampanga for the same purpose.

The PSC could not afford the lease cost of the CIAC property amounting to P150,000 per hectare or P7.5 million per year for 10 years.

Garcia is hoping that DepEd could provide them the needed space.

“I hope the Secretary will understand our position and approve our request,” said Garcia.