South Cotabato allots P33M to start repairs on sports complex

City Hall of Koronadal, South Cotabato. Photo by Ryan Jose Ruiz III / Wikipedia photo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) -– The provincial government of South Cotabato has allocated an initial P33 million for the initial repair and rehabilitation works for the provincial sports complex in Koronadal City.

South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes said such move is part of the local government’s initiatives in support of Koronadal City’s bid to host the 2015 edition of the Palarong Pambansa.

She said the funds will be utilized for the replacement of the sports complex’s track oval and the repair of several facilities.

Fuentes, who joined the Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) delegation during the opening of the 2014 Palaro earlier this week in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, said the provincial government will utilize its available resources to complete the rehabilitation of the provincial sports complex if Koronadal City wins the bid to host next year’s games.

The governor said Koronadal City’s aggressive bid to host anew the Palaro is also supported by South Cotabato (2nd district) Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez.

“We are just a small province but we will do our best to support Koronadal City when necessary,” she said.

“There is so much to be done, and more funds needed. But if Koronadal City wins the bid, we will support it,” Fuentes added.

For his part, Hernandez said he would sit down with Koronadal City officials to discuss the joint pooling of resources for the initiative.

“We need to put all their resources together to ensure good results. We have to ensure that the stay of the delegates in our area can create lasting and memorable impressions,” he said.

Koronadal City, which is a component city of South Cotabato, is the regional seat and center of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region.

The region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

The city and South Cotabato province hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 1996 and 2007 and was among the main playing venues of the now defunct Palaro ng Bayan in 2000. (PNA) LAP/AVE/HST/UTB