March 29, 2024

Benguet officials are working with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the costing of a proposed Olympic-size pool to be constructed within the provincial sports complex in Wangal, La Trinidad.

Rep. Eric Yap told reporters recently the DPWH-Benguet Engineering District I is still projecting the project cost, which will the basis in sour-cing out funds from the national government.

The proposed an Olympic-size swimming pool is one of the few improvements inside the sports complex, as provincial officials want Benguet to host future regional and national sporting events.

If funds are available, the construction of the swimming pool will be supervised by individuals with technical know-how to make sure international standards of measurements of the sports facility will be followed.

The sports complex is currently undergoing major rehabilitation with the installation of a tartan track, bleachers and other facilities with a funding of P165 million included in the national budget of 2021.

Once the rehabilitation of the athletic oval and the construction of the Olympic-size pool is complete, the province can compete with perennial hosts of national events such as the Palarong Pambansa and Philippine National Games.

Yap, together with Gov. Melchor Diclas, Vice Gov. Johnny, Waguis and DPWH led the inauguration of the basketball gymnasium inside the sports complex.

Yap, who is looking for additional funds, said there is still a need to improve the facility.

He said enhancement of the gym will  make it at par with other world-class facilities, particularly those used in FIBA-sanctioned games.

Benguet officials are hopeful the ongoing upgrade of the sports complex will be completed by March 2022. – Harley F. Palangchao