TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (MindaNews / 30 July 2026) — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) plans to establish a regional training center at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. PSC chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio, speaking during the Sports and Youth Summit at the provincial capitol, highlighted the MCC’s 70-hectare “world-class sports facility” as an ideal location for the center. He noted that the MCC’s impressive existing facilities make it stand out compared to other provinces still developing their sports infrastructure, describing it as “the biggest I’ve ever seen in terms of area and number of facilities.” Gregorio emphasized that sports could foster peace by engaging youth in athletic activities. The training center would develop programs and identify suitable sports disciplines such as football, swimming, sepak takraw, tennis, basketball, volleyball, track and field, arnis, and others. Once established, the center could position the province as a “sports tourism destination” and potentially lead to the creation of a sports university to nurture athletes from grassroots to elite levels. Rep. Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo welcomed Gregorio’s plans, recalling that the MCC hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 2003. The MCC’s football field and track are certified by FIFA and World Athletics, respectively. Dimaporo noted that while the province has many athletes, they lack adequate training, and the facilities remain underutilized. Provincial administrator Lyndon Calica said they would inspect sports facilities in Clark City to design dormitories for athletes and coaches. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)
