BAGUIO CITY – Despite recent rough weather, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) expects to complete the new FIFA-standard artificial football pitch at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) National Training Center inside Teachers Camp by late November 2026.
The project is part of PFF’s effort to build quality football pitches and facilities across the country.
“The habagat was a challenge, but the work has not stopped. We expect to finish in the last days of November. A pitch like this is a long-term investment, and we will not rush it at the cost of quality,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.
Facilities first
The pitch is funded through a 50/50 partnership between PFF and PSC. Gutierrez said it reflects PFF’s approach to development.
Aerial view of the construction of the new Baguio football pitch at the Baguio Athletic Bowl in Teachers’ Camp.
“Players cannot grow without places to play. The Federation’s job is not only to run competitions and field national teams, but also to help build pitches that players, coaches, and communities can use every day. Baguio is one example, and we want more of them in other regions,” Gutierrez said.
PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and President Gutierrez inspected the site with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and officials of the MVP Sports Foundation, Inc. (MVPSF), led by President Atty. Bill Pamintuan and Executive Director Paolo Trillo. The MVPSF is building the pickleball and 3×3 basketball courts on the same site, so the complex will serve more than one sport.
Why Baguio?
Teachers Camp is already a destination for athletes because of Baguio’s high elevation. With a world-class artificial pitch in place, PFF expects more clubs, schools, and national teams to train there.
“Baguio’s altitude gives athletes a natural training advantage. A good surface makes that advantage more useful. We want football players from across Luzon and the national teams to be able to use it,” Gutierrez said.
Opening
Available players from the men’s and women’s national teams will take part in the inauguration. PFF hopes their presence will inspire young players in the Cordillera region.
“Local players should be able to see national team players on their own pitch, and to learn from them. That is part of what a facility is for,” Gutierrez said.
PFF thanked PSC, Department of Education, Baguio City government led by Mayor Magalong, and MVPSF for their support. PSC said it intends to keep developing regional training centers and PFF hopes the Baguio project can serve as a model for other cities and provinces.
(All photos from PSC)
