CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — For years, student-athletes across Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental have had to train on worn-out tracks and overcrowded facilities, often watching neighboring provinces outpace the region with modern venues.
The upcoming ₱300 million rehabilitation of the historic Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center shifts the focus from concrete structures to young lives. Built with equal ₱100 million contributions from Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, and 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, the project gives homegrown talent the real support they need to stand tall in national and international competitions.
For student-athletes, the investment transforms daily athletic life. Young competitors will no longer start at a disadvantage when facing rivals from Metro Manila or neighboring provinces with modern venues. Upgraded rubberized tracks directly protect developing bodies from painful joint injuries, while new courts open up fresh opportunities for sports scholarships.
Local residents recognize the broader impact on youth development. "Good news kay nabiyaan [na sa] uban probinsya [ang] city, nindot kaayo ila Sports Center," said Susan Nalugon, reflecting on how nearby facilities like Agusan del Sur’s Patin-ay Sports Complex and Lanao del Norte’s Mindanao Civic Center have set regional standards. Romer Cagalawan added, "Mao [n]ay sakto tarongon gyod na ang sports center kay na pasagdan naman gud naa sa una."
Health and opportunity
Beyond physical performance, a dedicated sports hub serves as a crucial outlet for youth wellness and mental health. Modern venues provide young people with structured environments that foster discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
"Sports is a very effective mental health problems prevention and it can boost neurotransmitters in the brain like the dopamine. Dako kaau nig help sa tanan," said Percival Tingpets Velez Batar. "And besides, cdo and MisOr dako kaau nga city and province pero walay world class na sports center."
Dignity for athletes
For provincial student-athletes traveling from distant Misamis Oriental municipalities, competing in city meets often meant securing temporary, costly lodging. The project's future phases address this directly with a three-storey multipurpose center offering on-site dormitories and educational spaces.
"This is about giving our young athletes the exact same quality of facilities that competitors in Metro Manila or abroad enjoy," said Misamis Oriental Gov. Juliette Uy, alongside CDO Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.
Resident Susan Camilotes Abquina noted, "Dapat marehab na yan. Nkahihiya na sa isang highly urbanized city like CDO hindi maganda ang sport facilities nito. Good job all people behind this project. Sana mapareha ang CDO sa Agusan Sur." With 5,000-seat grandstands, young athletes will finally perform with the dignity of a proper home-court advantage. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)
