THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is set to significantly expand the country’s football infrastructure after securing commitments to build 21 football pitches nationwide this year.
PFF president John Gutierrez confirmed the development following positive commitments from several local government units, made possible by a 2026 infrastructure grant worth approximately US$3.6 million. The funding was collectively provided by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) last year.
Originally earmarked for 20 pitches, the program was expanded to 21 after additional suitable land became available in partner communities.
“This year alone, between FIFA, AFC, and AFF, we will be building 21 fields of different sizes around the country. The target is by July, but at the latest, all will be completed by December,” said Gutierrez.
Several local government units have already committed sites for the project, including Tagum, Dumaguete, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Dipolog, Baguio, Balanga in Bataan, and Palawan. Construction is already underway in Balanga, while work is set to begin soon in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Gutierrez added that more locations are expected to be confirmed as the PFF continues to coordinate with its 38 regional football associations (RFAs) and their respective LGUs.
Unlike traditional soil-based fields, the new facilities will feature world-standard artificial turf, designed to withstand heavy use and the country’s wet climate.
“Here in our country, it rains 60 to 70 percent of the year. When the soil gets wet, it turns to mud. That doesn’t do much for football development,” Gutierrez said. “When I say building pitches, I’m talking about artificial pitches that you can use 99 percent of the time—low maintenance, no mud, and high usability for training.”
The nationwide rollout is seen as a major step in strengthening grassroots football and providing consistent, year-round training venues for players across the country.
