Despite severe weather systems battering Baguio City throughout the month of August and stalling construction, the new FIFA-standard artificial football pitch at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) facility in Teachers Camp is back on track for a late November completion.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez acknowledged the weather-induced setbacks during a recent site inspection but assured that contractors are actively making up for lost time.
“Talagang tinamaan lang tayo nung masamang panahon but nag-deliver naman yung supplier natin na mahahabol nila yung delay,” Gutierrez said, noting the project is roughly 45 days away from completion. “We’re expecting end of November, siguro last few days of November, tapos na tayo. Ready na natin.”
The world-class pitch, funded through a 50-50 partnership between the PSC and the PFF, is expected to solidify Baguio City as a premier destination for high-altitude sports conditioning once the weather clears and construction concludes.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio expressed optimism about meeting the late-November deadline, noting the facility’s dual purpose for grassroots development and elite training.
“I’m sure the people of Baguio, even all the football players from Luzon, they’re looking forward to this world-class football pitch. Lahat po ‘yan para sa mga taga-Baguio as part of our wellness campaign. At lahat po ‘yan para sa national team,” Gregorio said.
The highly anticipated inauguration will feature members of the Philippine national football teams.
Gutierrez confirmed that available players from both the men’s and women’s national squads will grace the opening event to support and inspire local football players from the Cordillera region.
The Teachers Camp facility has long been a preferred pre-season destination for collegiate squads from the UAAP and NCAA due to the physiological benefits of Baguio City’s high elevation.
“Athletes actually go up to Baguio for the training because of the high altitude. It’s very conducive for high altitude training,” Gutierrez explained. “Ngayon, magkakaroon na ng artificial pitch dito na world-class … Mas excited ngayon hindi lang ang PFF, ang lahat ng Philippine football players para makapag-training dito.”
Both sports executives highlighted the inter-agency collaboration required to realize the project, crediting the Department of Education (DepEd) and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong for their essential support. Gregorio emphasized that the Baguio facility will serve as the benchmark for future regional sports infrastructure across the country.
“Kami po sa PSC, tuloy-tuloy lang ang pag-develop ng regional training centers. At ang showcase po natin ay ang Baguio. Let other cities and other municipalities and provinces follow suit. Gayahin lang po nila ‘yung template ng Baguio, and everything will be okay,” Gregorio said. Roderick Osis
