ILOILO – As an affirmation of Iloilo’s longstanding legacy in football, with Barotac Nuevo hailed as the “Football Capital of the Philippines”, the provincial government has embarked on an ambitious project. Six public high schools across the province are slated to have football fields or pitches constructed as part of the “One Town, One Football Field” Program.
The Provincial School Board – Special Education Fund has allocated a robust P15 million to realize this vision.
Each of these schools will receive P2,500,000 for their football field:
* Oton National High School in Oton
* Janiuay National High School in Janiuay
* New Lucena National High School in New Lucena
* Cabatuan National High School in Cabatuan
* Carlos Lopez National High School in San Dionisio
* Barotac Nuevo National High School in Barotac Nuevo
This sports development initiative, conceptualized by the Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office (ISDMO) under the guidance of Dr. Janelyn Fundal, underscores the provincial government’s commitment to providing young Ilonggos with top-tier football facilities.
It is also aligned with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s aspirations for the province. As the acting chairman of the Provincial School Board, he has envisioned these fields as pivotal training grounds for budding football enthusiasts, allowing them to refine their skills and fostering the establishment of varsity teams across public schools.
Iloilo’s relationship with football is deeply entrenched, echoed in the achievements of native talents like Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta, both of whom have represented the Philippine National Football Team, the Azkals, with distinction.
Taking the project’s helm in terms of its execution, Ray Cabarles, the ISDMO Varsity Program director, disclosed that the project’s blueprint and the finalized budget are now with the Provincial Engineers Office.
There will be a competitive bidding process at the provincial capitol. (With a report from Capitol News)/PN
