Private Developer Proposes International Sports Complex in Cebu's Balili Property
A private developer has put forward a proposal to construct an international sports complex on the Provincial Government-owned Balili property in the City of Naga, located in southern Cebu. This ambitious project is envisioned under a public-private partnership framework, aiming to enhance sports infrastructure and development in the region.
Meeting Details and Stakeholder Involvement
Assistant Provincial Administrator Adlwin Empaces revealed that the developer presented the proposal during a meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The gathering included key figures such as Governor Pamela Baricuatro, officials from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), representatives from MTD Philippines, and members of the Provincial Sports Commission. Empaces shared this information in an interview with SunStar Cebu on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
MTD Philippines, an infrastructure developer and part of the Malaysia-based MTD Capital Berhad group, is the entity behind the proposal. The company has a proven track record, having developed significant components of New Clark City in Tarlac, including the National Government Administrative Center and sports facilities that were utilized during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Project Vision and Support
Governor Baricuatro has expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing her commitment to strengthening Cebu's sports development programs. She articulated her vision of positioning the province as the Dancesport Capital of the country, highlighting the initiative's role in advancing sports tourism and regional athletic excellence.
The proposed sports complex is set to occupy a 20-hectare portion of the Balili property. It is designed to serve as a permanent training and competition venue for athletes from the Visayas region, operating under the Visayas Sports Academy. The facility will be constructed to meet international standards, enabling it to host a variety of competitions, including athletics, football, aquatics, and beach volleyball.
Potential for Major Events and Funding
Officials are considering the complex as a primary venue for the Philippines' potential hosting of the 2028 Asian Beach Games, underscoring its strategic importance in the national sports landscape. According to a March 19 post on the Cebu Province Public Information Facebook page, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Commissioner Edward Hayco attended the meeting. Gregorio indicated that the agency is prepared to fund the project, pending a formal partnership agreement with the Cebu Provincial Government.
In addition to the sports facilities, the proposed development includes a Provincial Government Center intended to function as a satellite Capitol office, further integrating administrative functions with the sports complex.
Background on the Balili Property
The Balili property, a 24.9-hectare provincial lot in the City of Naga, has a controversial history. After its purchase by the Provincial Government in 2008, officials discovered issues such as a submerged portion and a mangrove zone, leading to an Ombudsman case involving then-Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. Despite these past controversies, the site remains under provincial ownership and is now being considered for redevelopment as part of efforts to revitalize the area.
Local Interest and Broader Goals
Other local government units have shown interest in hosting the project, with Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano "Gungun" Gica offering to donate land as an alternative site. However, the focus remains on the Balili property. Governor Baricuatro reiterated that this initiative is a key component of the province's broader push to strengthen sports development and establish Cebu as a leading destination for sports tourism, aligning with regional and national athletic aspirations.
