Victorias City marked a milestone in sports development and youth empowerment with the recent inauguration of its football pitch, the first-ever FIFA-grade 11-a-side turf football field in Western Visayas.
The world-class facility is located at the Victorias National High School.
The ceremonial unveiling of the marker, signifying the city’s growing role in sports development, was followed by the blessing of the football pitch, led by Rev. Fr. Gerald Libo-on of the Our Lady of Victory Parish.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the event together with Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III and councilors Francis Frederick Palanca, Teresita Bartolome, Deilen Hofileña, Hermie Millan, Dino Jose Maria Acuña, Warlito Undar, Dexter Senido, Danilo De Asis Jr., Audie Malaga, Eric Alcobilla, and Trisha Mae Majan.
Benitez said he is proud of launching the region’s first FIFA-grade artificial football pitch, and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to developing grassroots sports.
He also announced partnerships with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and the Negros Occidental Regional Football Association (NORFA) in hosting more tournaments in Victorias and shared plans to further improve local sports infrastructure, including the renovation of the Victorias Coliseum for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in November.
As part of the “Football for Schools” initiative, FIFA and PFF, through NORFA, distributed footballs to the Department of Education SDO of Victorias to support grassroots football development, the city said in a press release March 8.
The distribution was attended by PFF coordinator Aristotle Andrey, NORFA president Jose Miguel Valmayor, NORFA head of Finance Keith Buyco, and NORFA Membership Committee chairman Nick Pagador.
Valmayor emphasized the significance of grassroots football and recognized Victorias as an emerging football hub.
Head of the City Sports and Youth Development Office Romeo Francis Paranpan Jr., meanwhile, highlighted how the new pitch will enhance training experiences and promote discipline among young athletes.
Schools Division Superintendent Portia Mallorca expressed gratitude to the city government for its strong support to sports and education, and cited the recent recognition of Victorias’ Local School Board, which received the Seal of Good Education Governance.
An exhibition match between the Victorias City Football Club-Victorias City Selection and Don Bosco Technical Institute-U16, showcasing the talent and potential of young footballers, capped off the ceremony also attended by City Administrator Atty. Lindolf de Castro, department heads, and officials from the Victorias City Schools Division Office, AC Rivero Development Corp. heads Miguel and Robbie Rivero, and celebrity guests Daniel Matsunaga and girlfriend Mainne Veiga, among others. ||
