By Anthony A. Araos
The fact that Governor Jerry Dalipog asked recently President Ferdinand Marcos at a program at Alfonso Lista town to provide funding assistance for the completion of the Ifugao Sports Complex (ISC) puts the spotlight on the initiative I took a few months back on this pressing matter. And the issue, which I also discussed in previous commentaries has yet to be resolved.
Oh how highly-placed Ifugao officials have become so confused on handling the matter- on the concern to get the Php 1.5 billion funds for the construction of final phase portions of their much-needed facility, to be more precise.
They and a number of insiders said the amount is intended to simply move forward from the present-day 40 percent completed stature of the ISC. Oh yes, its still a very long way to go. Providentially, we’re being led by Governor Dalipog to the right path, this time.
I’ve heard a lot of silly and stupid stories on how actions are to be taken by provincial government officials in seeking a genuine resolution of this longstanding matter. If there is no funding from the national government the dream of Governor Dalipog to host the prestigious CARAA Meet in the province during his term- up to 2028, is surely over. Plain and simple.
Make no mistake about it that the ISC is designed to host the CARAA. Right now, it has no oval for the track and field events. It is very important that Ifugao folks understand how and why athletics event in the centerpiece of any sporting competition- like the CARAA.
Long before the pronouncement of Governor Dalipog in the corn-producing Alfonso Lista town, I already said this issue into public consciousness.
It all began with a simple desire to get things done the right way. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan sought the Php 1.5 billion funding from the Philippine Sports Commission. Clearly a wrong move! FThe PSC’s budget is only for its PS and MOOE requirements.
Here’s the letter of Governor Dalipog- dated September 18, 2026 I received and I’m sharing for guidance of all stakeholders. “This refers to your letter dated 20 May 2026 addressed to His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., requesting funding assistance for the construction and completion of the Ifugao Sports Complex (ISC), which was subsequently forwarded by the Office of the President to the Provincial Governor of Ifugao for appropriate action,”
We appreciate your initiative and concern for the development of sports in the Province, particularly the need to provide our athletes with an appropriate facility for training and participation in regional, national, and other major sporting events.
In this connection, we wish to inform you that the Provincial Government of Ifugao has already taken action on the matter and has formally sought assistance from the National Government for the completion of the Ifugao Sports Complex.
For the purposes of the present request, the funding requirement is One Billion Five Hundred Million Pesos (Php 1,500,000,000), as supported by the relevant and technical documents.
We shall continue to pursue the necessary coordination with the concerned national government agencies for the proper evolution and consideration of the project, consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations.
Thank you for your concern and support for the development of sports in ifugao and for the welfare and development of our athletes.
Someone asked me at one point before I brought to the attention of President Marcos, through a hand-carried communication, this matter. “Why did you resort to such action when you’re not an Ifugao guy?” Enough is enough! I’m right, after all! Enough of uncalled for ethnical bias, and it won’t bring you anywhere!
The rest is history. Now, with the very high cost of living- runaway inflation hovering at the heads of most Filipinos, the Php 1.5 billion outlay being asked is no longer realistic. I am very pleased to offer a helping hand to Governor Dalipog for the conduct of a helping hand to governor Dalipog for the conduct of an immediate discussion as a platform for productive actions to generate strategic solutions to the ISC problem.
**
