LIST: PSC track and field facilities open to the public
While public parks may be few and far between, the Philippine Sports Commission's track and field facilities are open to everyone for a much-needed walk or run.
The agency has now opened its facilities to the public following the order made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his fourth State of the Nation Address. This initiative aimed to encourage a more active and healthy lifestyle among Filipinos.
"Nakikita natin ang sobrang pagtaas naman ng timbang ng ating mga kababayang edad dalawampu at pataas. Kaya, sikapin nating maging mas aktibo ang ating pamumuhay araw-araw," he said.
"Ipalaganap natin ang mga pagsasagawa ng mga palaro, ng mga paliga, fun run, fun walk, pati mga aerobics, pa-Zumba. Para sa mga LGU, buksan at gawing maaliwalas ang mga park at mga plaza natin, kung saan makakapag-ensayo ang ating mga mamamayan, bata man o matanda," he added.
In a Facebook post, the PSC announced that its track and field facilities in Malate, Pasig, and Baguio are now open to the public for free from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
"Kindly note that we are still fine-tuning our operations, but we are happy to welcome you all back to the tracks," it said.
Here's what to know about the facilities:
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate
The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was inaugurated in 1934, in time for the Far Eastern Championship Games. It has since become the site of different important moments in the city and country’s history, such as when Manuel Quezon was named one of the presidential candidates in the 1935 elections.
The complex, which can accommodate up to 10,926, has also been declared a national historical landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2017.
Inside, you can find a track oval, a swimming pool, a badminton hall, a tennis center, a football stadium, a basketball court, a billiards area, and a combat sports room.
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is located at 1750 Adriatico St, Malate, Manila.
Philippine Sports Arena Complex in Pasig City
Originally known as the Philippine Institute of Sports Complex, the PhilSports Complex was built in 1985 to serve as training facilities and home of the members of the national team.
The four main facilities within the area include a multi-purpose arena, a swimming center, a football stadium, and an athletics stadium. You can also find a gym with lots of training equipment and a basketball court.
PhilSports Complex is located at Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.
Philippine Sports Commission Training Hub in Baguio City
The PSC track and field oval at Teacher's Camp was built to accommodate the training of national athletes of combat sport teams such as boxing, taekwondo, karate, muay thai, kickboxing, and kurash.
According to the agency's website, the place is touted as the "best training ground for combat sports" due to Baguio City's cold weather and altitude.
The venue is equipped with a track oval, gym, and dormitory.
Teacher's Camp is located along Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, Benguet.
