Include sports facilities in government's build, build, build program -- Romero
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 29 Aug 2018
Mikee Romero.
It?s been 64 years ago since the Philippines host a big sporting event in the magnitude of the Asian Games, which were held in Manila in 1954 but never to return again.
But if Congressman Mikee Romero, who represents 1-Pacman Partylist in the Lower House will have his way, sports-loving Filipinos can again be given a chance to watch their countrymen strut wares with the best and finest from other countries.
Cong. Romero even went the extent of hosting the biggest sports conclave in the world ? the Olympic Games -- if only the once adequate infrastructure, including a modern international airport, are built under the government?s current build ? build ? build program.
Romero, a strong advocate of youth and sports development program in congress, said it is high time for the administration to look at international sports events as a vehicle to attract to the country as a source, too, economic growth.
?Many studies show the positive correlation of sports tourism through the hosting of sporting events like the Olympics, and World Cup in several sports with the boost in tourism revenues as well as economic activities for the hosting country,? Romero said.
To boost the country?s stature as a sports host, Romero pointed out that better ancillary infrastructure is needed.
He cited the country?s lack of infrastructure as one of the reasons why the Philippines failed to win its bid to host 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup against eventual winner China.
?While we are trumpeting our people?s passion for basketball, it was China which won the right because of its government?s support and the existence of adequate infrastructure as well as transportation facilities like roads, playing venues and even its airport," he stressed.
?That?s besides China?s the sterling record of hosting international competitions like the Asian Games and even the Olympics,? Romero recalled.
?So if we re really looking forward to hosting the Asian Games again after 64 years or even the Olympics, then we should really take a look at our tourism as well as transport infrastructure like a new international gateway,? he suggested.
Romero pointed out that while the Philippines has already started building modern sports infrastructure in preparation for the country?s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games next year, this is also the opportune time to start building an airport in preparation for bigger sports competitions.
Romero added that in the mold of modern airports like those in Singapore (Changi) and Incheon (South Korea), San Miguel?s proposed Bulacan or the New Manila International Airport appears to be the most suited for the country?s growing needs as both can accommodate more tourists, and spur development both locally and at a national level.
The Partylist lawmaker said that as compared to the limited runway facilities of the NAIA, the proposed Bulacan airport will have four runways with the provision for two more in the future. It also has a modern terminal and transportation infrastructure like roads, train system and even a ferry route.
?If we start building it now and complete it in five years, this airport will improve our ability to handle a large number of passengers as well as more international flights. Along with the improvements in our sports facilities, we can hope to vie for hosting rights of international competitions and showcase our tourism attractions,? he reasoned out.
?Our neighbors have showed us how sports figures in nation building and development. Indonesia is now hosting the Asian Games while Thailand hosted the Asiad for four times already in 1966, 1970, 1978, 1998. Without even citing official figures, we can see that they are far ahead in tourism compared to us,? Romero added.
Romero said that once the new NAIA airport is completed, the site of the present NAIA in Pasay City, can be an ideal place for a modern sports complex along with commercial and residential development.
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