By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The city government will construct its first athletes’ dormitory to recognize and support the significant contributions of local athletes.
City officials, led by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, along with some athletes, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the P12.5-million facility at Romanito Maravilla National High School in Barangay Estefania yesterday.
Benitez explained that the city decided to fund the new dormitory after seeing the poor condition of the athletes’ current living quarters, a shanty-type structure located at the back of the school.
“It is only right to provide them with decent living quarters to look forward to after their training and competitions,” Benitez said, adding that the improved living conditions could positively impact their athletic development.
He also highlighted the achievements of some of the athletes, who have won gold and silver medals in various sports competitions. “We are very proud of our athletes because they perform exceptionally well in every competition, both locally and internationally,” he added.
Benitez emphasized the need for the new dormitory, given the athletes’ current situation.
The allocated budget for the project comes from the Special Education Fund (SEF), with a target completion time of six months. The new building will accommodate at least 32 student-athletes. “If it’s not enough, we will consider expanding. We will assess the situation,” Benitez said.
In addition to promoting athletic development, Benitez also underscored the importance of mental training and academics for the athletes. “As extraordinary athletes, they must undergo mental training—the mind should be properly developed alongside athletic talents,” he said.
Benitez described the new dormitory as a way of supporting those who bring recognition to the city. “These are initiatives we want to support, and we should always recognize and give proper attention to their training and development,” he added.
Coach Luis Miguel Arca praised the perseverance of the student-athletes despite the challenges they face in their current dormitory. He noted that the situation came to the mayor’s attention when they paid him a courtesy call after three student-athletes from the school won medals at the July 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.
Meanwhile, Mico Villaran, one of the most decorated track athletes at this year’s Palaro, expressed excitement about the new dormitory and the prospect of having comfortable quarters. “We are happy and thankful to the city government, especially to Mayor Albee,” he said.
Villaran, 16, from Talisay City, Negros Occidental, has been staying at the old dormitory since 2019. The old facility has been in existence for nearly 20 years.
