MANILA (28 Aug 2011) – The Philippines national team will soon get an artificial pitch of their own ending in Pasig City, giving the team more sense of permanence than what they are used to at the moment.
Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr , the president of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) confirmed the grant approved by FIFA following the agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission.
“We (PFF and PSC) will have to sign the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) again on 1 Sept 2011 but it’s only for formality because the draft has already been approved by FIFA,” explaind Araneta.
As part of FIFA’s Goal Project 2 for the PFF, the international football body has approved the grant of USD500,000 (roughly PHP 21.7 million).
The PSC, which managed the Philsport pitch, has agreed to have an artificial turf installed in the 10,000-seater Arena in Pasig City with the PFF entrusted to manage the pitch for the next 25 years.
“But the grant (of USD 500,000) will not be enough where we still need to find an additional cost of USD100,000 (PHP4.3 million) to cover the cost of construction,” added Araneta.
The team currently use the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and the pitch at the Alabang Country Club as training site.
