The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has identified the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex as a new training hub for national athletes, particularly in boxing. PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio confirmed the plan during a visit to the 13-hectare complex in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, where he toured the facilities with Senator Miguel Zubiri and local officials.

Gregorio lauded the venue as world-class and fitting for future champions. “I’ve seen many training centers around the world, and this is truly world-class,” he said, noting its potential to become a breeding ground for Filipino boxing talent.

World-class facilities in Malaybalay

The sprawling Bukidnon Sports Complex features a 15,000-seat stadium, an eight-lane track and field oval, a football field, and an Olympic-standard aquatics center. It also includes a 3,000-seat gymnasium for basketball, badminton, and martial arts, along with tennis courts, an auditorium, and a museum.

Senator Zubiri, the key figure behind the complex’s development, expressed full support for the PSC’s initiative to establish it as a regional training hub. “We are one Bukidnon, so rest assured you’ll have our full support. We’re proud to host the boxing team,” he said, adding that the track and field oval will be opened to the public, similar to PSC facilities in Manila and Pasig.

Strengthening regional training centers

Gregorio explained that the PSC’s mandate extends beyond Manila, with a national push to develop regional training centers in partnership with local governments. He cited Zamboanga’s 300 young weightlifters as an example of how regional sports hubs can thrive with the right support.

National boxing coach Elmer Pamisa, who trains 60 boxers in nearby Cagayan de Oro, expressed optimism about relocating training to Bukidnon. He also highlighted the region’s boxing pedigree, with talents emerging from Bukidnon, General Santos City, and Davao.

“Boxing is perfect for a region like Bukidnon,” Gregorio stressed, pointing out that even SEA Games champion Mario Fernandez, a native of Malaybalay, currently trains youth boxers in Baguio instead of his hometown.

The complex may also serve other sports, with the muay thai and sepak takraw national teams expressing interest in training alongside boxing. Meanwhile, Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez committed to applying for a FIFA grant to install an artificial pitch at the football field, further enhancing the complex’s versatility.

With government and local backing, the Bukidnon Sports Complex is poised to play a central role in preparing Filipino athletes for success on the international stage.