Press Release - Escudero: PBBM leads inauguration of Sorsogon Sports Arena, the biggest in Bicol Region

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, October 17, led the unveiling of the Bicol Region's biggest sports platform, the Sorsogon Sports Arena, a "landmark that Sorsoganons and every Bicolano can be proud of."

President Marcos was joined by Sorsogon Governor Edwin "Boboy" Hamor and Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who was the proponent of the massive project which construction started when he was chief executive of the province from 2019 to 2022.

"Kasya ang mahigit-kumulang na 54,000 na katao kung pupunuin pati 'yung grounds ng arena. Ito ang pinakamalaking venue sa buong Bicol region at marahil nasa top 10 sa buong Pilipinas. This is something indeed to be proud of. Isa nanaman na dahilan para maipagmamalaki na tayo ay taga-Sorsogon," Escudero said.

The inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Kasanggayahan Festival in the province, the 130th founding anniversary of Sorsogon, and the 455th commemoration of the first mass held in Luzon.

Inspired by the iconic Colosseum in Rome, Italy, the Sorsogon Sports Arena is situated within the 7.1-hectare Sorsogon Sports Complex that also houses the Department of Education (DepEd) Sorsogon building and its gymnasium.

The arena was originally intended to be used for the Palarong Pambansa in 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its completion.

According to Escudero, Sorsogon is planning to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2027, the biggest sports competition in the country.

The Sorsogon Sports Arena is home to modern amenities that can be used for major international competitions, as well as a 300-room dormitory that is intended to house the athletes, coaches, technical officials and spectators.

Escudero said he will seek the Philippine Sports Commission's approval to make the massive facility a national sports training camp, noting that the Sorsogon Sports Complex has a geographical advantage of hosting such trainings.

"Ngayon nasa Baguio, nasa norte. Malayo sa Visayas, malayo sa Mindanao. Sorsogon is in the Southernmost tip of Luzon, medyo nasa gitna. Dito lang kumpleto ang facilities at lahat ay pag-aari ng DepEd," Escudero said.

"Ito ay isang