SEN. Bong Go is urging the national government to ensure adequate funding for repairs and modernization of sports facilities and support for athletes, warning that the agency’s sporting infrastructure could be overlooked in the 2027 spending programs.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, raised the concern during a recent Senate deliberation on the proposed budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“I hope the DPWH could also consider the repair and rehabilitation of sports facilities. That is what I have noticed — prioritizing our sports facilities is being overlooked,” Go said.
He cited aging facilities under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), including the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the PhilSports Complex, formerly known as Ultra, which have required repeated repairs and rehabilitation.
Go said government spending for sports remained small compared with the overall national budget.
“To use a pie analogy, out of the government’s P7 trillion budget, the funds for the PSC or sports are like mere icing,” he said.
He stressed that athletes representing the country in international competitions should have adequate training facilities and other basic support so they can concentrate on preparing and competing.
“Athletes shouldn’t have to think about anything else but focusing on their games and their training. They should be supported by the government,” Go said.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon assured Go that the department was coordinating with PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio on the rehabilitation of major sports facilities.
Dizon said ongoing projects included work at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, PhilSports and athlete dormitories.
“But you are right — our athletes need more support. We will focus on that in the coming months, especially since we will be hosting numerous sporting events in the years ahead,” Dizon said.
Go also sought support for sports infrastructure in Mindanao, including a swimming pool and soccer field at the University of the Philippines Mindanao in Davao City.
Dizon said the Department of Budget and Management removed convergence funds for sports infrastructure from the DPWH’s proposed 2027 budget and transferred the appropriations to the respective mother agencies, including the PSC.
He said DPWH remained prepared to provide technical and implementation assistance to the PSC when requested.
Go, however, emphasized that the funding arrangement should not leave sports facilities being left without the resources needed for rehabilitation and modernization.
The senator has repeatedly called for greater government investment in sports infrastructure, arguing that athletes and communities need accessible, safe and modern facilities for training and competition.
