Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

MANILA - Two big sporting facilities in Manila and Pasig will be used to help decongest hospitals treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez said Tuesday.

"Ang purpose lang ng PSC is to contribute the facilities of Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Mayroong multipurpose gym there, mayroon din Rizal Stadium saka may open spaces kami na 4. Dito sa PhilSports, 'yung gym na ginamit noon sa SEA Games at itong track oval," Ramirez said on DZMM.

Ramirez said he offered the use of the said facilities after the numbers of infections continued to climb during late February up to the third week of March.

As of Monday, the Philippines has a total of 1,546 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 78 deaths while 42 have recovered.

Ramirez said a gym at the Rizal Stadium can be converted into a 100-bed capacity facility which would be a big help to Manila. On the other hand, the one in Pasig City can be converted into 150 to 200 bed capacity COVID-19 facility.

He clarified that the PSCs's role is on the provision of facilities and that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be in charge of the construction.

"Kapag talagang mabigat na ang takbo ng ating contagion may mga facilities ang gubyerno, kasama na ang Rizal, Ultra, PICC--ready siya," he said.