MANILA, Philippines -- The IAAF and FINA have certified the New Clark City Athletics Stadium and Aquatic Center in Capas Tarlac as Class 1 facilities for the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games this November and December.

The certification of the sports facilities was announced in a press conference attended by House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioners Ramon Fernandez and Arnold Agustin.

Also present was Bases Conversion Development Authority CEO and president Vince Dizon.

"It was just a dream before," Dizon said. "But because of the Build, Build, Build program ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte, natupad po ang dating pangarap lamang."

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The sports facilities, where the athletics and aquatics events in the SEA Games will be held, were constructed over the past 18 months.

Go believes that with the completion of these venues, the Philippines can now produce more world-class talents to follow the footsteps of gymnast Carlos Yulo, boxer Nesthy Petecio, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

"Magiging masaya po ang ating Pangulo sa pagkakagawa ng nasabing sports facilities dito po sa Pampanga," he said.

"Ngayon ay masisiguro na po natin na makakapag hubog po ang Pilipinas ng mga world-class athletes gaya nina Caloy Yulo, Nesthy Petecio at EJ Obiena now that we have an access to the world-class facilities dito sa ating bansa," he added.

The guests also witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippine National High School for Sports that is expected to be completed by 2021.

The school will be opened to all the students, who aspire to develop their skills as athletes.

"It will be just like the regular high schools. But here, the students will undergo training to determine what sports will they fit in. It will eventually have an entrance examinations before the students can enroll," Cayetano explained.

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