The provincial board has unanimously approved a resolution for PHP100 million financial assistance for the construction of the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research (INSPIRE) building in this city.

In an interview on Wednesday, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said Provincial Resolution 188-2023 authorizes him to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which will be funding the facility that will be built near the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium.

The provincial resolution was approved on Tuesday.

“The proposed construction of INSPIRE building has been planned since last year and finally, we are happy to inform you that it will materialize soon in support of the country’s nation-building programs,” Manotoc said.

Earlier this year, presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos and his uncle, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Barba, jointly filed House Bill 6412 to establish a sports facility to enhance secondary education program with a curriculum specially designed for student-athletes in the province.

The proposed sports academy will reportedly house a research center devoted to sports medicine and the nutrition of the athletes.

Aside from the financial assistance from PAGCOR, the Ilocos Norte government has also sought the help of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Office of the President for the grant of additional funding for the operation of the sports program to help home-grown athletes excel in various sports events in the future. (PNA)