AIMING to boost sports tourism and athletic development, the Bogo City government is constructing an over P300 million world-class sports facility.
The project, which broke ground on Wednesday, March 19, is envisioned to host major multi-sporting events in the future, including the Province Meet, the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet, and potentially the Palarong Pambansa.
Based on data sent to MyTV Cebu, the project has an allocated budget of P309,988,725.56, fully funded by the city.
Facility’s features
The sports complex, which will be built in Barangay Cogon, will feature a 400-meter rubberized track oval, a football field, a grandstand structure, long jump facilities, and a perimeter fence for safety.
The rubberized track, which will be sourced from Germany, is expected to meet international standards to ensure optimal performance for athletes and long-term durability.
The grandstand will provide ample seating for spectators, designed to accommodate large crowds during major sporting events. The venue will also include designated areas for sports officials, medical teams, and media representatives to ensure smooth event management.
For track and field athletes, the long jump facilities will offer a dedicated training and competition area. The football field is designed to host both amateur and professional matches, potentially attracting football clubs and leagues to hold games in the city.
The facility will be built on a 6,920.50-square-meter area, with construction expected to be completed within a year.
Athletic impact
The city sees the project as a strategic investment that will not only serve as a venue for competitions but also provide a high-quality training ground for local and regional athletes.
The project, spearheaded by Mayor Carlo Jose Martinez, aims to nurture local talent by giving young athletes access to top-tier sports infrastructure without needing to travel far.
This aligns with the city’s goal of promoting youth engagement in sports, which is seen as crucial in fostering discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation.
Beyond sports competitions, the facility will serve as a multi-purpose venue for various community events such as concerts, festivals, and public gatherings.
Modern government center
The sports complex will also form part of Bogo City's
modern government center, a 20-hectare development designed to transform Barangay Cogon into a major urban hub for northern Cebu.
The modern government center, known as the Center of Trade and Industry in Northern Cebu, aims to address the region’s need for improved access to essential services.
In a report in 2024, the City said the development will include a hospital, an intermodal transport hub, mixed-use commercial spaces, and government offices designed to improve public service delivery through a centralized one-stop-shop system.
This setup is intended to streamline administrative processes and provide residents with faster access to services.(MyTVCebu)