March 29, 2024

Athletes from the province have something to look forward to once the proposed P190 million for the improvement of the Benguet Sports Complex at Wangal, La Trinidad is approved by Congress.
Benguet caretaker, Rep. Eric Go Yap of ACT-CIS party-list, said the proposed budget will be for the improvement of the multipurpose gymnasium, construction of a stadium, and installation of rubberized track at the oval area.
Yap said the funding will be lined up in the General Appropriations Act for 2021, the bidding of which will be early next year if the President signs the GAA.
“Once the project has been bid out, we will personally ensure its implementation since the project is one of the long awaited high-impact projects in the province,” Yap said.
Earlier, Yap has pledged P25M for the improvement of the multipurpose gymnasium, where a wooden basketball court will be built along with the revamp of the bleachers and additional lighting fixtures. 
The P165M, meanwhile, he said will be for the improvement of the oval field where a stadium and tartan rubber in the running track will be installed.
The oval has a grandstand, which Yap said will be demolished to give way for a grander stadium. It will be completed with bleachers and additional rooms underneath as additional training ground for athletes.  
The planned swimming pool will be programmed for funding for 2022. 
Yap said the improvement of the sports complex would boost the chances of the province to host national events such as the Palarong Pambansa. It will also be a chance for potential investors to consider investing in the province. 
Yap said he earlier identified the budget for the sports complex, claiming it as a priority project for the province, which is home to numerous world-class athletes.
He also expressed his appreciation to local athletes who made it big in the international sports arena, such as members of the Team Lakay mixed martial arts group. – Ofelia C. Empian