The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is teaming up with the Bases Conversion  and Development Authority (BCDA) in building training centers all over the country.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang signed a memorandum of understanding last week to formalize the partnership that would lead to the creation of training hubs both for grassroots and elite athletes.

Right now, the government has three major training centers in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City, Philsports Complex in Pasig City and Teachers Camp in Baguio City.

Based on the MOU, both the PSC and BCDA will spearhead the creation of training hubs in other strategic areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao like Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Tayabas City in Quezon Province, Ormic City in Leyte, Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, Siargao, Bukidnon, Zamboanga City and General Santos City.

The proposed training centers will be patterned after the New Clark City in Tarlac, the state-of-the-art sports complex that houses world class facilities like athletics stadium, aquatics center, athletes village and the National Academy of Sports.

“These are not just sports facilities, the are investments that combine youth empowerment with economic progress,” said Gregorio, who is carrying out the marching order by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of making sports accessible to everyone.

“I am happy that the BCDA and the PSC are equally committed to creating opportunities for regional development through sports. The BCDA is a great partner, and with this collaboration, we are ready to hit the ground running.”

Bingcang, whose agency also manages the facilities at the New Clark City and Camp John Hay in Baguio City, added that creating more sports hubs will pave the way for the development of future members of the national team.

“This partnership with the PSC is a force multiplier,” he said.

“By linking BCDA’s land development capabilities with PSC’s national sports mission, together we are laying the groundwork for future champions and promoting a healthier, more active Filipino nation.”