ILOILO — A new football facility in the municipality of Leganes is expected to strengthen grassroots sports development in Iloilo Province.
A partnership among private developers, football stakeholders, and local government units broke ground on a state-of-the-art 9-a-side football pitch designed to nurture future athletes and host year-round competitions.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Iloilo Centrale Football Field was held on June 2 in Barangay Cagamutan Sur, Leganes, marking the start of a project that supporters describe as a major boost to football development in Western Visayas.
The facility is a joint undertaking of Filinvest Land, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), and the Regional Football Association, with backing from the Iloilo Provincial Government and the Leganes municipal government.
Located within the Iloilo Centrale township development, the football pitch is envisioned as a regional center for sports, youth development, and community engagement.
Organizers said the facility is designed to provide aspiring football players with access to quality infrastructure while helping expand the sport’s reach in Iloilo and neighboring provinces.
This pitch, according to Louie Carandang, Filinvest Land Visayas vice president and regional general manager, “is a sanctuary for local talent, where dreams will be nurtured and future champions will rise.”
The facility will feature advanced artificial turf engineered for all-weather play, allowing training sessions and competitive matches to continue throughout the year. Plans also include spectator bleachers and night-lighting systems to accommodate evening games and community sporting events.
The football field will be situated beside a 1.6-hectare commercial block within the Iloilo Centrale township, making it accessible to residents of nearby communities, including Futura Rise. Project proponents said the development aims to combine sports, recreation, and lifestyle amenities within a single integrated community.
Gerard Marcelo, Filinvest Land first vice president and residential township head, said the project reflects the company’s vision of building communities centered on wellness and shared aspirations.
“Our goal is to build a township that resonates with the dreams of its people. This partnership with the PFF brings unity and wellness to the fore, establishing the football pitch as the dynamic heart of Iloilo Centrale — a place where sports and community converge,” Marcelo said.
The Philippine Football Federation said the facility will support grassroots football programs, youth tournaments, and advanced training sessions in the region.
“This pitch will expand our reach and cultivate the future generation of players in the region. It’s a game-changing development for Iloilo,” stressed PFF President Johnny Gutierrez.
Project proponents said the football field is expected to play a key role in developing young athletes and creating opportunities for future football champions while contributing to the growth of Metro Iloilo’s sports and recreational landscape./PN
