BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The rehabilitation of the provincial government-owned Panaad Park and Stadium is continuing despite the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The installation of chairs and repair of the track and field oval have already been completed, according to Negros Occidental’s provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
The swimming pool, covered court, and volleyball and tennis courts are also getting a facelift.
The oval is already up to “international standards,” said Diaz.
Asked if Negros Occidental will host the 64th Palarong Pambansa, which was supposed to have been held this year, Diaz had no idea about the new schedule.
“I don’t think Negros Occidental was the first province in line. May isa pa ka province and after that kita na,” Diaz said.
Renovation of the capitol-run park and stadium began in late 2019. The budget was pegged at around P150 million in 2020, with the track and field oval repair worth P50 million.
The Panaad Park and Stadium is the venue of the yearly Panaad sa Negros Festival.
It has also hosted national and international sporting events such as the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers./PN
