POC mulls 2 sites for Phl training center

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco has found a “win-win solution” regarding the choice of venue for the proposed national training center.

Instead of one venue, he’s now considering two.

Cojuangco yesterday led an ocular inspection of the two proposed sites covering the vicinity of the massive Clark Field in Pampanga and Tarlac provinces.

The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) yesterday presented their respective offers as site venue.

The CIAC, through its CEO, Dino Tanjuatco, offered a 50-hectare site while the BCDA, through project manager Tomas Macrohon, offered an initial five-hectare site.

The CIAC offer sounded more logical because the place already has existing facilities for water and power lines while the BCDA site has yet to be developed.

The BCDA area is part of a massive 50-year master plan to turn 34 hectares into an “aerotropolis” and a residential, commercial and business hub.

The CIAC and BCDA are eager to host the training center and are both willing to enter into a long-term agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission.

The construction of the training center is estimated to cost P3.5 billion, and under a long-term lease contract of one peso a year.

Joining the trip were Representatives Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte and Yeng Guiao of Pampanga and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia.

International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski and her predecessor, Frank Elizalde, were around as well as POC chairman Tom Carrasco and board members Steve Hontiveros, Dave Carter and Cynthia Carrion.

During an hour-long deliberation, Del Rosario and Guiao, chairman and vice-chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, raised several questions.

They asked CIAC and BCDA officials if they have “full control” of both properties and if they are free from “any legal impediments” in the future.

Del Rosario asked if the construction would not compromise the functions and operations of the airport inside Clark Field.

They were both assured that there will be no impediments.

It was when Cojuangco proposed that both the CIAC and BCDA be part of the ambitious project that will need the support not only of the Lower House but the Senate.

“I propose both – the CIAC for short and medium term and the BCDA for the long term,” said Cojuangco, who found no objection to his proposal.

The CIAC and BCDA said they can work hand in hand in ensuring the success of the project. Soon to be drafted are the House bill and the terms of agreement with the PSC.

“I’m extremely satisfied and I hope we can push through with this. But this is the easiest part. The more difficult part is to have the law approved,” said Del Rosario.