PSC eyeing Baguio as permanent training site
BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is seriously considering the possibility of turning the Teacher’s Camp in this city as a training center that can accommodate more than 400 national athletes from at least 12 sports disciplines.
PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez mentioned this Monday night after meeting with athletes from boxing and canoe kayak who are here as part of their preparation for the Malaysia Southeast Asian Games in August.
“Pwede talagang ayusin ito (Teacher’s Camp),” said Ramirez, who is scheduled to have a dialogue with different Local Government Units (LGUs) as well as the launching of the PSC’s Philippine Sports Institute.
“Sa aking experience kung magpatayo ka ng malaking sports complex and dormitory, kayang mag-accommodate ito ng 400 athletes. Elevated siya, ideal talaga dito,” added Ramirez.
Since last year, more than a 100 elite athletes are training at the 23-hectare Teacher’s Camp from the sports of boxing and track and field. Last month, about 20 athletes from canoe kayak team began their cross training here and at the nearby Ambuklao Dam.
Renovating the Teacher’s Camp, which is owned by the government under the Department of Education – similar to the Philsports Complex in Pasig City – became a possibility since President Duterte appointed Ramirez as head of the PSC for the second time after serving in 2005 to 2009.
It is also because of the plans of the PSC to relocate the athletes training at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, and transfer them to Pampanga after the SEA Games.
That would happen if the PSC decides to relinquish its rights on RMSC to Manila, which on the other hand is planning to sell the 10-hectare facility to business tycoon Enrique Razon.
Ramirez, the Teacher’s Camp is very ideal in training the athletes.
“Sa aking experience kung magpatayo ka ng malaking sports complex and dormitory, kayang magaccommodate ito ng 400 athletes. Elevated siya, ideal talaga dito,” said Ramirez.