SPORT AND BUSINESS DEV'T. The scale model of the proposed Spark Samar Sports City in Catbalogan City, Samar. The PHP1. 2 billion project is expected to draw major events and investments in Samar. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – The proposed PHP1.2 billion Spark Samar Sports City here is expected to attract major investments and big events in Samar province.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan said during the groundbreaking on Wednesday that after more than three years of planning, the first phase of the project will push through with initial funding from the provincial government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“The Spark Samar Sports City concept develops a sporting infrastructure that will extend the economic benefit from major sporting events. They bring people together and will remain an integral part of the local community’s lives and the lives of the generations to come,” Tan added.
Based on the master plan, the 16-hectare project is with an 8,100 seating capacity stadium, commercial strip, business processing outsourcing hub, residential area, a huge space for greenery, and a track oval and other athletic facilities.
DPWH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Allan Borromeo said their office has allotted PHP185 million for the site development this year and the construction of initial structures.
The provincial government acquired the property in Lagundi village.
“The DPWH is committed to support this project. In fact, there is higher allocation in 2023 for this sports city,” the official said.
Samar 2nd District Rep. Michael Tan, a former governor, said they will work to get more funding support from the national government to realize this ambitious project.
“With this project, we hope to host national sports events such as Palarong Pambansa by 2028. This will really create economic development and business opportunities within Samar province,” the solon said.
Architect William Ti Jr., the designer of the project, said this will shape communities for generations to come.
"This is a sporting infrastructure that aims to provide people with a venue for festivals, cultural exhibitions, and sports events. The concept integrates public amenities and infrastructure that belong to a bigger spectrum of social, cultural, and economic development objectives for the community,” Ti said.
The sports amenities available in the complex include a football and track field, tennis courts, volleyball courts, an aquatics center, a gym, a baseball field, hyper courts, a skatepark, an amphitheater, and a dorm for athletes. (PNA)
