Taytay, Rizal—After being sidelined at the onset of the global pandemic, the construction of the P721-million world-class sports complex in this locality resumes and is expected to be completed even before the coronavirus dilemma is over.
In a statement, Taytay Mayor Joric Gacula said the world-class facility, which would rise on a 13-hectare local government-owned parcel in Barangay Muzon and funded by the national government, is expected to generate employment and boost business following an economic slump in view of the national health emergency.
“There are quite a number of residents in our locality who have lost jobs and closed down their businesses because of the pandemic. Hopefully, this project will trigger economic activities that would attract business seen to help displaced local folks and rejuvenate small businesses,” the local chief executive said.
In a social media post, Gacula said: “Bago matapos ang pandemic na ito, may world class sports complex na tayo.” The post had eight photos showing local officials in an ocular inspection at the worksite.
Rizal 1st District Rep. Michael John “Jack” R. Duavit pledged additional support for the sports complex to allow the Department of Public Works and Highways to resume its construction the soonest.
Interestingly, the 13-hectare Taytay Sports Complex used to be a trash dump that Gacula ordered closed 10 years ago.
Describing the Taytay Sport Complex as a dream come true, Gacula recounts that for the longest time, the province of Rizal as well as the municipality of Taytay must practice for athletic meets in other venues such as the Marikina Sports Center.
But the looming construction of the Taytay Sports Complex opens possibilities of hosting other large scale sporting events in the town.
“Sa dami po ng ating mga sports facilities, nandiyan po ang Ynares Center, ang Ynares Sports Complex, iyong ating mga private sports center dito, baka po puwede na tayo maghost ng Palarong Pambansa balang araw,” he added.
Rizal Governor Rebecca Ynares recounted that Rizal Province was initially the premier province of the country before the Martial Law era wherein most of its rich cities and municipalities were separated to form the National Capital Region, including Marikina City, which housed the province’s former sports complex.
Governor Ynares said that despite the lack of a sports complex of its own, the province has remained dominant in the sports scene, noting that Rizal has emerged as Southern Tagalog CALABARZON Athletic Association Meet champion for eight consecutive years.
“Wala pang sports complex ‘yan ha. Dito lang kami kung saan saan sa tabi nagprapractice lalo na kapag nayari na ang sports complex na ito,” he said.
