State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) awarded a P100-million grant to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, for the construction of a sports and research facility.

In a statement on Monday, PAGCOR said Casino Filipino Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Danilo Tejano formally handed over the grant check to Senior Board Member Rafael Medina on behalf of Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc during the turnover ceremony on June 20.

“This project will not only uplift our athletes but will also inspire future generations and strengthen Ilocos Norte’s capacity to craft sustainable world-class sports programs,” PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco said.

The grant will partially finance the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research (INSPIRE) Training Development Center and Dormitory, a flagship project with a total cost of P400 million.

Once completed, the INSPIRE complex will serve as a hub for high-level athletic training, sports science research, and athlete housing which should help raise the bar for sports development in northern Luzon. 

PAGCOR PHOTO