PSC wants to modernize RMC

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) vows to continue upgrading the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) and turn it into a modern, fully-convertible and world-class stadium.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said he wants the historic 92-year-old building to cater not just to indoor sports like basketball and volleyball but also to make it usable for sports like tennis as well.

In fact, the RMC will host the first-ever ASTAF U19 Asian Championship from 18 to 24 November.

“PSC is reviewing the requirements of sepak takraw. The initial renovation is intended to prepare the venue for sepak takraw and potentially host WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) events by January,” Gregorio said.

“With modern technology like permanent and retractable roofing, the venue can be converted into a basketball, tennis, sepak takraw, or volleyball court. The transformation inside and outside Rizal Memorial is ongoing. With upcoming hosting, we will all be proud of what has been accomplished.”

The 57-year-old Gregorio said the move is not just to continue their advocacy of sports tourism but make the venue more adaptable and suitable to other sports.

“People ask me what my priority sport is. My realization is simple: when you see young boys and girls enjoying a sport, you cannot take that away from them,” said Gregorio, a former Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general and rowing president.

“Wherever they are good, wherever they proudly wear the Philippine flag, we must support them. That is the best gift we can give our youth.”

Under Gregorio’s term, the PSC has made changes in its main sports hubs, including the Philsports Complex in Pasig City and the Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City, to make it more accessible and appealing to the public. Runners can also now use the track ovals for free for their nightly runs as part of a directive from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The Rizal Memorial Tennis Center was also spruced up for the first-ever Philippine Women’s Open, a WTA 125 event where local star Alex Eala competed along with the likes of world No. 100 Donna Vekic of Croatia and No. 61 Camila Osorio of Colombia, who emerged as champion.

Even WTA supervisor Cristina Romero said the Philippines, with the cooperation of the PSC and Philippine Lawn Tennis Association, pulled off a successful hosting, which is up to par with a 250-level tournament.

“I have done several 125s. I have to say that this has very, very high standards for it. It’s an event that can compete with the 250s in different categories,” Romero said.

“I think the most important part is that we also were very welcomed in the Philippines. We saw the crowd that were so interested in the tournament. Since the qualifying, we have had huge amount of people coming every day.”