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| PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio assured that everyone will still see the iconic exterior of the Rizal Memorial Stadium as plans to expand the venue is now underway. PFL (file photo) |
MANILA—Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio assured that the iconic facade of the Rizal Memorial Stadium will stay amid concerns that it may be heavily affected by its upcoming renovation.
"We've done our homework. Master plan po ito. Wala pong sisirain, hindi pong masisira, papagandahin at babaguhin lang," Gregorio clarified during the agency's performance review forum on Thursday at the PSC House.
He added that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines gave its nod to the PSC to push through with the venue overhaul.
"Wala tayong ginagawa dito na walang approval ng National Historical Commission (of the Philippines). Lahat ito ay approved ng National Historical Commission (of the Philippines), City of Manila, MMDA, DPWH, DOTr, Meralco, PLDT, at Maynilad," Gregorio said.
The NHCP designated the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, where the stadium is located, as a national historical landmark and as an important cultural property by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2017.
The designation came amid controversial redevelopment plans under former Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to convert the historic complex into a private commercial development.
The stadium, which staged the 10th Far Eastern Championship Games in 1934, was preserved from any unauthorized modifications and demolition under Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, since it was designated as historical landmark.
Gregorio added that no historic structures will be demolished, with the project focusing on expanding the stadium's seating capacity from 13,000 to 25,000. Completion is targeted for the second quarter of 2028.
No specific timeline or date was given about the start of the renovation.
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