The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office IX is undertaking the P 187-million major rehabilitation project of the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex – an open field stadium located in R.T. Lim Boulevard in Zamboanga City.
Named after the city’s former mayor, the sports complex renovation works commenced on April this year and is expected to be completed in 276 calendar days or less than ten months.
Most of the grandstand’s facilities were destroyed after serving as the largest evacuation center for dislodged families following the three-week urban warfare between the military and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which resulted to the displacement of more than 100,000 people and destruction of over 10,000 houses and properties in 2013.
The 5.5-hectare sports facility boasting synthetic rubberized track oval was completed in 1992 for the Palarong Pambansa and used to be one of the most innovative sporting venue of the country. After the upgrade works and improvement, the grandstand is projected to regain its fame with world-class facilities like athletes’ quarters and other amenities.