Governor secures PSC funding for Iloilo Sports Complex rehabilitation

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The rehabilitation and upgrading of key facilities at the Iloilo Sports Complex are set to move forward after Philippine Sports Commission chairperson John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio assured funding support to Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr.

During a breakfast meeting last week, Gregorio offered to help improve several major facilities within the complex.

These include the track oval, basketball and volleyball courts, football field, and gym equipment.

Gregorio also urged the provincial government to quickly prepare a memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership and help release funds for the project.

The planned upgrades are expected to improve training conditions for local athletes and support the province’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots and competitive sports development.

Gregorio, who traces his roots to Iloilo, said the initiative reflects both institutional support and personal commitment to sports development in the province.

“We want to invest in upgrading sports facilities to help our athletes achieve their full potential,” he said.

The Philippine Sports Commission is the primary government agency responsible for the development and promotion of sports in the Philippines, providing funding, training support, and infrastructure development for athletes and sports programs at the national, regional, and grassroots levels.

The Iloilo Sports Complex is a multiuse facility for athletic events and large gatherings in Iloilo and Western Visayas.

It features an Olympic-size swimming pool, an oval running track, a football field, volleyball and basketball courts, tennis and badminton courts, and a main stadium with about 7,000 seats.

A separate indoor gymnasium is located approximately 200 meters from the main complex.

The facility is managed by the Iloilo Provincial Government through its Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office.

The Iloilo Sports Complex has been a key venue for regional and national sporting events, including the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet and national competitions.

The rehabilitation project is considered important for the province’s long-term sports development program, particularly as the facility continues to host major events that draw athletes from across the region.