(Photo courtesy of the Ormoc City Government)
Eyes Palaro, Batang Pinoy
ORMOC CITY – The Ormoc City government is investing about P2 billion to expand its sports complex as it intensifies efforts to become Eastern Visayas’ premier sports hub and position itself to host major national competitions, including the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.
Leyte Fourth District Rep. Richard Gomez announced the city’s sports infrastructure program during the Eastern Visayas Youth Sports Summit held on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Sports Development Training and Convention Center inside the sports complex in Barangay Juaton.
The summit brought together more than 200 young athletes from across Eastern Visayas, along with officials of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led by Chairman John Patrick Gregorio.
Gomez said the sports complex currently occupies an 11-hectare property, with another five hectares reserved for future expansion.
“We really aim for Ormoc City to become the sports epicenter of Region 8. We intend to develop this area by putting up various facilities like a track oval, padel courts, a skateboard park, pump track, BMX track, badminton courts, squash courts, and other sports venues,” Gomez said.
The existing complex already includes a boxing gym, athletes’ dormitory, and dedicated halls for taekwondo and billiards, which were funded by the city government, Gomez, and other partners.
According to Gomez, sports development has remained one of the city’s flagship programs since his tenure as mayor, a commitment he continues to pursue as congressman of Leyte’s fourth district.
He said investing in sports not only develops athletic talent but also helps keep young people away from illegal drugs and other social problems.
“Sports development and addressing the illegal drugs problem really go hand in hand,” he said.
Beyond developing Ormoc’s own athletes, Gomez said the city hopes to help raise the level of sports across Eastern Visayas through initiatives such as the regional youth sports summit.
He expressed optimism that within the next five to six years, the region could produce more athletes capable of representing the Philippines in international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games and the Olympics.
Gomez also acknowledged the Philippine Sports Commission for its technical assistance and financial support in strengthening the city’s grassroots sports programs.
For his part, PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio commended the city government for its sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development, saying Ormoc has emerged as one of the country’s promising centers for grassroots sports.
Gregorio said the city’s growing roster of sports facilities makes it a strong candidate to host major national competitions such as the Palarong Pambansa or Batang Pinoy.
Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez said Ormoc is ready to host either event but noted that the city still needs additional hotel rooms and accommodations to serve thousands of athletes, coaches, and delegates.
Ormoc has established itself as one of Eastern Visayas’ leading sports cities, having dominated the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet since 2018. Its athletes have likewise consistently captured medals in national competitions, including the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.
City officials said the expansion of the sports complex is expected to further enhance Ormoc’s capability as a regional training center and support its long-term goal of becoming a venue for national and international sporting events.
JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA
