National Taekwondo Center Breaks Ground at Historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has officially commenced construction of the National Taekwondo Center within the iconic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila. This state-of-the-art facility, set for completion by the end of 2026, marks a significant milestone for Philippine taekwondo, promising to elevate athlete training and host international competitions.
Ceremony Highlights and Key Attendees
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio led a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) President Rafael Alunan III, PTA Secretary-General Rocky Samson, PSC commissioners Bong Coo, Fritz Gaston, and Walter Torres, as well as members of the national team pool. Grand Master Hong Sung-Chong, revered as the father of Philippine taekwondo, also graced the event, underscoring its historical importance.
Gregorio emphasized the center's transformative potential, stating, "We enable, we excite, and we make it happen. Finally." He added that the facility will enable the hosting of more international tournaments, providing crucial exposure for national athletes and opening up new opportunities for the sport.
Facility Details and Legacy
The National Taekwondo Center will occupy a 1,131-square-meter lot, replacing the old PSC Bowling Center, which was renowned for producing world-class bowlers like Paeng Nepomuceno, Arianne Cerdeña, and Bong Coo. The new center will feature:
- Four international championship rings
- A seating capacity of 850 for spectators
- Daily accommodation for up to 100 taekwondo jins
Alunan, a former Interior and Local Government Secretary and Tourism Secretary, expressed gratitude for the PSC's support under Gregorio's leadership. He affirmed, "The PTA will continue to further strengthen our grassroots program, produce more champion athletes, and cultivate future leaders." He highlighted that after 20 years of dreaming, this center aligns with their vision for Philippine taekwondo and will continue the tradition of producing world champions.
Funding and Broader Sports Initiatives
Gregorio noted that the PSC is not funding the entire project, with the PTA shouldering a significant portion of the costs. He described the new home for taekwondo as long overdue, with completion targeted before year-end. Since Gregorio assumed leadership of the PSC in July 2025, several upgrades have been implemented to benefit national athletes, including:
- Strength and conditioning centers at Teachers' Camp in Baguio and Philsports Complex
- Establishment of a sports museum with support from First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos
- Major renovations at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center and RMSC overall
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure in the Philippines, fostering athletic excellence and international competitiveness.
