TACLOBAN CITY – The construction of the P1-billion Spark Samar Sports Development Complex in Barangay Lagundi, Catbalogan City, Samar is under way with the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, July 20.
It has initial funding of P185 million for this year from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The first phase of the project would include the construction of the East Wing, which is expected to accommodate about 4,200 people.
Aside from the sports facilities that will be built on a 10-hectare lot, a museum and arboretum, housing, a commercial strip, and a business process outsourcing hub will also be constructed.
Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan said that three years ago, they started their research on the possibility of a sports complex in Samar that they could all be proud of.
"Architect William Ti Jr. of WTA Architecture and Design Studio delivered a top-notch design that complimented our Spark Samar Development Agenda, adding special elements from around the province that fit well into our plans," she recalled.
She added that the complex will be the center for sports development, culture, and the arts, and open to all Samarnons.
Samar Rep. and former Gov. Reynolds Michael Tan seeks to obtain more funding in 2023 to complete Phase 2 of the project.