Modern dorm inspires Bacolod standout athletes to perform better
(PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The track and field athletes of Romanito P. Maravilla Sr. National High School (RMSHNS), among the best in the country, are inspired to elevate their performance.
The reason is because of the inauguration of the P12.5-million athletes’ dormitory inside the campus on Monday.
The dormitory has two separate bedrooms to accommodate 32 athletes – 16 boys and 16 girls – each with individual beds and cabinets.
Amenities include a dining and cooking area, dedicated comfort rooms, an office and a stock room.
In an interview, Athletics coach Miguel Arca said he never dreamed to have such an impressive dwelling for his wards, but he is grateful that the city officials approved the funding for its construction.
“God is so good. This will serve as a big inspiration to our athletes to train more and bring honor to the city that continues to support them,” he said.
One of the school’s bemedalled athletes, 11th grader Mico Villaran, said he is thankful to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for helping the student-athletes like him “have a comfortable place to stay after training.”
Villaran won the gold in 400m hurdles, 110m hurdles, and 4x100m relay in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa. He will compete in five events in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa this coming May.
He will be joined by fellow tracksters Michael Grejaldo Jr., Grade 10, and Cloui Joy Loquias, Grade 11, in representing Western Visayas in the national amateur games.
School principal Gladys Gerona also thanked Benitez for making “this dream a reality.”
“To our athletes, this dormitory is for you. We hope that it will be a home away from home, filled with opportunities for learning, development and personal achievement,” she added.
Meanwhile, Benitez called the dormitory in Barangay Estefania a “home for champions.”
Benitez said he pushed for the construction of the dormitory after seeing the athletes stay in a small, old shack behind the school campus last year.
“This facility will now serve as a dedicated space for our outstanding athletes to train, rest and excel. It is designed to provide them with a safe and comfortable space for training and academics.”
The construction of the athletes’ dormitory was funded by the city’s Special Education Fund.
