Ilocos Norte’s Marcos stadium to reopen in June after PHP1 billion renovation

RENOVATED. The design (top photo) and ongoing construction of the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium in Laoag City. With a total budget of PHP1 billion, the stadium is expected to lure sports enthusiasts and tourists as well. (Contributed)

LAOAG CITY – A bigger and wider sports stadium located at the heart of this city is scheduled to reopen this June after undergoing a major rehabilitation since 2019.

Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc confirmed on Thursday the near completion of the province’s "Big 3" projects, which include the PHP1 billion renovation of Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium heavily damaged by Typhoon Ompong in September 2018.

Amid an ongoing pandemic, the Ilocos Norte government has pushed for the construction of the Provincial Capital expansion building, reconstruction of the Dap-ayan Food Park, and the full rehabilitation of the Marcos stadium with a total budget of PHP2 billion.

Funded by the Development Bank of the Philippines, Ilocos Norte’s "Big 3" projects are expected to be completed this 2022.

“We hope to inaugurate the Marcos Stadium (first) by the middle of this year which will return as an exercise hub for all,” said Manotoc as he underscored, the reopening of the Stadium forms part of his program on preventive healthcare, by providing more outdoor spaces for people to improve their health and well-being.

The upgrading of the sports stadium was started in 2019 under the administration of then-Governor and now Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos to promote a healthy lifestyle among residents.

Aside from hosting sports events, the Marcos stadium serves as a training ground for athletes and a regular hangout of runners and Zumba dancers of all ages.

The Marcos stadium last underwent renovation and had its oval track rubberized between 2008 and 2009.

By June, provincial engineer Lanie Daquioag said Thursday that sports enthusiasts shall expect a new face of the sports complex with added amenities.

The old comfort rooms were repaired and an additional tennis court with enclosure was established.

There will also be a stage platform ready for big events, a perimeter fence installation, player sheds, and new movable bleachers, among others. (PNA)

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