PSC to spend P200M for infra projects in 2013

MANILA, Philippines - With money to spend, the Philippine Sports Commission can now provide the national athletes a better place to stay in.

Chairman Richie Garcia of the PSC yesterday said the sports agency may spend as much as P200 million on infrastructure for 2013.

Garcia said the budget will come from the NSDF (national sports development fund) and from the PSC savings. He said the PSC has not spent for any major infrastructure project the last two years.

“We can spend P150 million to P200 million for the renovation of the athletes quarters and the cafeteria at Brent (inside Philsports in Pasig),” said Garcia.

The PSC chief also said the meditation room at the Ultra will also be turned into a gym, giving the athletes a common area to work out.

The projects will start in February and according to Garcia should be finished by May.

The upgrading of the athletes quarters is part of the PSC’s plan to make the athletes’ living conditions better as they prepare for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

He said the PSC will also help in the Philippine Olympic Committee’s bid to improve the nutrition and strength and conditioning programs for the athletes.

POC president Jose Cojuangco said the Filipino athletes will do better in international competitions if they are given the proper nutrition and strength and conditioning programs.

Cojuangco is bringing in a team of strength and conditioning experts from the United States early next year to oversee the program.

Cojuangco, who won a third term as POC president during the Nov. 30 elections, took his oath yesterday, along with the other POC officers, before Vice President Jejomar Binay.