By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Congressman Jojo Ang of Uswag Ilonggo Partylist, along with Regional Chairman Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a state-of-the-art multifunctional sports facility at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) on September 9, 2024.
The facility, with a total budget of P20.243 million from the General Appropriations Act of 2024, will feature a one-story multipurpose building intended for sports and recreational activities for UPV students, faculty, and alumni.
The project is a result of collaboration between Uswag Ilonggo Partylist, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senator Frank Drilon, and UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano, with support from retired associate justice Francis Jardeleza and the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 6.
Ang emphasized that the facility will be equipped to host a variety of events and competitions, enhancing UPV’s athletic capabilities and expanding the range of activities the university can offer.
Despite not being a UP graduate, Ang highlighted the importance of improving UPV facilities, recognizing it as one of the country’s premier state universities known for producing influential Ilonggos.
“That is why I put great emphasis on supporting better facilities that will greatly contribute to the holistic development of our Iskolar ng Bayan,” he said.
UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano added that the facility will serve more than just sports purposes.
“This facility is not just for sports; we can also hold cultural activities here. We are developing the city campus as a cultural heritage hub,” he emphasized.
“We need these structures to support various cultural and social activities,” he added.
A key feature of the facility is a fully functional, covered basketball court equipped with durable benches.
The court surface will be finished with high-quality rubberized paint to enhance safety and provide a professional-grade playing experience.
Large ceiling fans and insulated roofing will be installed to ensure proper ventilation and a comfortable environment for athletes and spectators.
For nighttime use, industrial-grade lighting will be installed to provide sufficient illumination for sports events, competitions, and other activities.
The facility will also include basketball rings, an LED electronic scoreboard, a public address system, a portable hoop system, a volleyball net system, and other sports equipment.
Ample locker spaces will be available, allowing players to securely store their belongings during games and events.
The open court, where the multipurpose building will be constructed, was originally used by UPV High School students.
According to the UPV website, the court was built as a covered facility in the 1950s but was severely damaged by a typhoon shortly after its completion.
Some materials from the original structure were later repurposed for the construction of the UPV Little Theatre.
Currently, the area serves as a practice space for athletes and students and is a venue for recreational and social activities.
