THE sale for the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is no longer pushing through because there is a greater interest in the preservation of the 83-year-old sports complex.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez announced this development following talks with various interest groups which will pitch in for the preservation of the historic place.
“After one year of negotiation, it was not more of the price. But, it was more of preserving what the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is all about,” said Ramirez.
He said talks have been fruitful with officials National Commission for Culture and the Arts, which is the overall policy making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture.
Officials of the NCCA said there will be funds for the renovation of the facilities at the Vito Cruz arena in Malate, Manila.
More funding assistance will also come from the National Historic Institute following more consultations, according to Ramirez.
Aside from this, the office of Congressman Crystal Bagatsing of the fifth district of Manila will also shell out funds to help rehabilitate RMSC since this is in her area of responsibility.
Ramirez said they have already informed the city government of Manila of their decision to put on hold their side of the negotiations.
The PSC chief said in his letter to Estrada that this decision was “in relation to the PSC’s commitment to provide a quality sports experience and a better sporting environment for the welfare of the national team.”
Earlier, the group of businessman Enriquez Razon revealed plans to convert the RMSC into a sports, recreational and business center.
The developers have plans of preserving the baseball field, the football field, the martial arts clubs and the basketball courts.
On the other hand, the places which the developers will not preserve, will be developed into a high rise residential area.
And the public will have access to the remaining sports facilities around the area, if plans to sell to push through.
