THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), City of Manila and SM Prime Holdings Inc. formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday that will transform the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) into a world-class hub for sports, cultural identity and public engagement.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso led the ceremonial signing at the Mall of Asia Square with SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey C. Lim, marking a milestone partnership that blends heritage preservation with modern urban development.
‘This is a defining moment for Philippine sports and heritage,’ Gregorio said. ‘The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is a living symbol of our nation’s sporting legacy.’ ‘With the all-out support of the City of Manila and SM Prime, we are ensuring that this historic district will stand proudly while serving the Filipino people for generations to come.’
Domagoso fully supported the city’s commitment to the initiative, highlighting Manila’s role in opening its streets, enacting ordinances, and supporting the redevelopment ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2027 Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games at RMSC.
‘Manila is honored to partner with the PSC and SM Prime in this transformative project,’ Domagoso said. ‘This is about more than infrastructure, it is about pride, identity, and preparing our capital to welcome our visitors in 2027.’
SM Prime Chairman Hans T. Sy expressed optimism about the partnership noting the company’s long-standing commitment to sports advocacy.
‘Sports have always been a powerful force for people. It builds discipline, unity and pride,’ Sy said. ‘As Rizal Memorial undergoes this transformation, SM Prime is committed to supporting events that bring athletes and communities together.’
‘We believe that investing in sports is investing in the nation’s future, and we are honored to be part of this journey,’ Sy emphasized.
‘The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has long been part of Philippine history, hosting generations of national athletes, major cultural events and defining moments in sports,’ Lim said. ‘Today, we take an important step in preserving that legacy.’
Under the agreement, the redevelopment will introduce several landmark features designed to blend heritage with modern urban planning and at the heart of the project is the PSC Plaza, which will extend across two lanes of Adriatico Street.
Through a city ordinance, the area will be converted into a walkable public pathway, secured by a usufruct agreement to ensure PSC’s continued use and development.
Complementing this is the construction of an elevated walkway, a coordinated effort among PSC, the City of Manila and SM Prime Holdings, linking the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex with the redeveloped SM Harrison Plaza.
This integration underscores the vision of creating a seamless sports and lifestyle district.
Heritage preservation also takes center stage, with plans to relocate the P. Ocampo statue to make way for a new Dr. Jose Rizal fencing monument, subject to approval by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
‘This partnership is about readiness and vision,’ Gregorio said. ‘We are not only upgrading facilities, we are elevating Manila as a sports tourism capital and ensuring that our athletes, fans, and visitors experience the very best.’ Finally, the redevelopment will be reinforced by SM Prime’s urban integration efforts, as the company’s revitalization of Harrison Plaza is set to complement PSC’s upgrades, ensuring that the district evolves into a vibrant hub where history and modernity converge.
Joining Chairman Gregorio in the PSC delegation were Commissioners Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo, Walter Torres and Fritz Gaston, together with Chief of Staff Loujaye Sonido.
They were accompanied by architect Paulo Alcazaren, Atty. Diomarie Pedrozo, Atty. Allan Gabor, Engineer Emman Arcega, Architects Jerome Abad and Michelle Ceballos and Prince Alcantara.
Representing the City of Manila were Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Cesar Chavez, Mayor Domagoso’s secretary Manuel ‘Letlet’ Zarcal, City Legal Officer Atty. Luch Gempis Jr., City Engineer Armand Andres and Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports officials.