President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed strong support for the renovation and retrofitting of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum (JMRC), leading an inspection of the facility and formally turning over P500 million in funding for its modernization.

The President visited the coliseum after inspecting ongoing Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) operations in the city. He was welcomed by Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo and other local officials.

Mayor Robredo is the widow of the late former Naga City mayor Jesse M. Robredo, after whom the coliseum was named.

During the visit, President Marcos formally handed over a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) worth P500 million to fund the coliseum’s structural retrofitting and modernization. The project includes the installation of a community kitchen capable of feeding thousands during disasters, improvements to sanitation facilities, roofing system upgrades, and structural strengthening.

The funding will also support enhancements to the drainage system to prevent flooding within the complex and the establishment of dedicated medical response areas for emergencies.

The initiative aims to bolster the local government’s disaster preparedness and response capacity, enabling faster and more efficient action during typhoons, earthquakes, and other crises.

Built in 2010 during the tenure of then Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo, the coliseum—popularly known as the “Big Dome of the South”—can seat 12,000 people and accommodate up to 15,000 for standing-room events. 

It regularly hosts basketball games, concerts, school tournaments, and major cultural gatherings in the Bicol Region.

Over the years, the JMRC has also served as a key evacuation and relief center. It withstood powerful storms, including Super Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Kristine, as well as several earthquakes, without sustaining major structural damage.

During Typhoon Kristine, while much of Naga City was submerged in floodwaters, the coliseum remained dry and functioned as a logistics hub for relief distribution across Camarines Sur.

Despite its resilience, authorities acknowledged that the facility was not originally designed for prolonged shelter use. 

Recent disasters exposed limitations such as insufficient toilets, showers, and laundry areas; the lack of permanent industrial-grade kitchens for mass feeding; and fixed seating arrangements that make sleeping arrangements difficult for evacuees.

With the planned renovation, Malacañang said the coliseum will continue serving as a premier events venue while becoming a more reliable and fully equipped evacuation center for residents of Naga City and nearby provinces.