Razon vows to preserve Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in P5-B development

The decades old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (Photo from snapthepix.com)

Businessman Enrique Razon has no intention of tearing down the heritage-rich structures inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) once a deal to develop the area has been consummated with the City of Manila.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez said the Razon group had promised to preserve the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, which consists of the Coliseum, the Swimming Center, the Baseball Stadium, and the Track and Football Stadium – the four main facilities that serve as a concrete reminder of the country’s glorious exploits in sports.

Ramirez said high-rise condominiums and commercial establishments would be built within the walls of the nearly 10-hectare property on Pablo Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Street while maintaining the facade and structure of the historical sites.

The Razon group unveiled the masterplan for the development of the RMSC recently at the Solaire Resort and Casino Hotel.

Among those who attended the presentation were PSC Commissioners Arnold Agustin and Celia Kiram, as well as representatives from the National Historical Commission, the National Commission for Culture and Arts, and Manila City Hall.

Once Razon and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada could come to an agreement – whether it would be a sale or a private public partnership – Ramirez said the government sports agency could expect to gain monetary compensation.

“We’re looking at P5 billion,” Ramirez said. “It’s the amount of funds that we need to build a new sports complex.”

According to the PSC chief, they will open negotiations Monday for an area where the agency can put up the training facility at the campus of the University of the Philippines in Diliman in Quezon City.

“We need 10 to 20 hectares to construct the training center. We are scheduled to meet top UP officials on Monday and discuss a possible collaboration with the PSI (Philippine Sports Institute) as well,” Ramirez said.

Aside from the UP Diliman property, there’s also a standing offer from Clark Green City in Pampanga where the PSC could put up the training center covering 100 hectares.

Ramirez said P3.5 billion had been allocated for the Clark project pending the approval of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

He added the national athletes and the PSC administration office would move at the PSC-controlled Philsports in Pasig City the moment Manila and the Razon group push through with the deal. /atm