Construction of Bataraza sports complex underway

The construction of the P80-million Bataraza sports complex is now in progress, a municipal councilor said Thursday. Councilor Al Ibba, former chairman of the youth and sports development committee of the municipal council, said Thursday the sports complex will be constructed in Barangay Marangas beside the new public market that is also being built. He said clearing activities are now being done in the eight-hectare property to finally start construction activities. “Sa ngayon nagsasagawa na nang clearing doon sa area. Itatayo siya malapit lang din sa new public market kasi kasama yon sa lupa na binili. Seven to eight hectares ang lupa. ‘Yong gumawa ng city sports complex ay sila rin ang contractor natin,” Ibba said. He said the construction is being sped up to be ready for the 2019 Provincial Meet. It will have a standard-size swimming pool, covered basketball court, and baseball field. Aside from the provincial meet, Ibba said having the sports complex would also qualify Bataraza to bid and host the MIMAROPA Regional Athletics Meet. “Nag-bid na tayo na ang Bataraza ang mag-host ng Palarong Panlalawigan sa susunod na taon kaya kailangan maihabol at matapos ang sports complex. Kung matapos ito pwede na rin kami ang maghost ng MIMAROPA Meet,” he said. Ibba believes that the sports complex will help in the development of Bataraza’s economy. “Kapag nagkaroon ng sports complex at dito na isasagawa ang mga palaro, maraming tao ang ma-e-engganyo sa aming lugar. Maliban doon tiyak na kikita rin ang mga tindahan dito at tuluyan,” he pointed out.