Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 27) — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has extended a grant of ₱842.5 million to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the renovation of the facilities that will be used in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games happening later this year.
Among the facilities to be rehabilitated are the track and football field and Ninoy Aquino Stadium — both located inside the 85-year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City. The Multi-Purpose Arena at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City is also scheduled for renovation.
“We are trying to give you as much [help] as we can,” PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrea Domingo said in a statement.
Ramirez, who is also the Philippines’ chef de mision in the SEA Games, commended PAGCOR for helping in the renovation of the sports venues.
“This is a good legacy of PAGCOR that under your watch all three facilities will be rehabilitated at this level,” he said.
The three venues will be used for the SEA Games — the football matches will be held at the Rizal Stadium, weightlifting and taekwondo at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and volleyball at the PhilSports Arena.
The country is hosting the SEA Games for the fourth time since its inception in 1959.
The Philippines last won the overall championship the year it last hosted the biennial multi-sport event in 2005.
The financial boost was handed to PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez Wednesday at the PAGCOR office in Manila City.
