By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez urged athletes to continue their hard work as the city government unveiled a PHP12.5-million dormitory to support their athletic and academic journey.
Benitez led the inauguration of Bacolod’s first athlete dormitory at Romanito P. Maravilla Sr. National High School (RMSHNS) in Barangay Estefania on Monday, seven months after the project began.
The dormitory includes two separate rooms accommodating 32 athletes—16 boys and 16 girls—each with individual beds and cabinets.
Amenities include a dining and cooking area, dedicated comfort rooms, an office and a stockroom.
The project aims to provide student-athletes with a safe and conducive space for rest, training and study.
In his message, Benitez emphasized the importance of good facilities to help athletes excel.
“We are proud of you,” he told the athletes, describing them as city heroes who bring honor not only nationally but also on the international stage.
“It is proper to provide them with a facility to motivate them to gain more medals,” he added.
Benitez said an additional PHP1 million will be allocated for furniture and riprapping, as the facility is located on elevated ground.
He noted that the school will manage and maintain the dormitory and that it will also be open to athletes from nearby schools if space allows.
School principal Gladys Gerona thanked the mayor for turning the dream into reality and acknowledged all who contributed to supporting the athletes.
She said the dormitory is not just a place to rest, but a sanctuary that fosters focus, growth and a sense of community.
“The athletes will find the comfort and support they need to excel, both on and off the field,” she said.
Gerona added that the facility is designed to nurture not only athletic potential but also overall well-being.
She said it provides a supportive environment where athletes can recharge, refuel and build connections.
“To our athletes, this dormitory is for you,” she said.
“It is a place where you can grow stronger, build lasting relationships and continue your journey toward success.”
She also hopes it will serve as a home away from home filled with opportunities for learning, development and personal achievement.
Gerona expressed gratitude to the parents of the athletes for their moral and spiritual support, encouragement and understanding.
Coach Luis Miguel Arca said he could hardly believe the project had come to life.
He said they currently have 20 athletes, with some being scouted by universities in Luzon.
In August 2024, the city broke ground on the project after officials learned of the poor conditions in the athletes’ previous quarters—a shanty-type structure at the back of the school.
The situation was brought to the mayor’s attention during a courtesy call from three student-athletes who had won medals at the July 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.
