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| Members of the Leganes Football Club in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Iloilo Centrale Football Pitch (Image Source: Manila Standard/Filinvest Land) |
Rooted in a deep appreciation for Iloilo’s rich sports heritage and driven by a vision for the future, Filinvest Land, in partnership with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), officially broke ground on the Iloilo Centrale Football Pitch. Located right at the heart of the township, the 9-a-side football pitch marks a major milestone in reintroducing Iloilo Centrale as a vibrant, lifestyle-driven destination.
More than a ceremonial launch, the groundbreaking highlights the township’s vision of building an integrated, future-ready community that promotes active, modern living. Inspired by legendary football stories of passion, perseverance, and humble beginnings, this initiative reflects a fierce commitment to preparing and empowering the next generation of Ilonggo athletes. The upcoming sports facility is meticulously engineered to offer a space built for grassroots development, youth tournaments, and local leagues. Strategically located, the pitch directly anchors Iloilo Centrale’s vibrant 1.6-hectare commercial block, serving as an accessible recreational landmark for residents of Futura Rise and the broader community. Engineered for all-weather play, the pitch will feature an artificial turf, ensuring a durable, consistent, and safe playing surface capable of handling continuous training and year-round matches. To comfortably accommodate match plays and community programs, the development features spectator bleachers and night lighting to allow for evening matches and after-work leagues. The sports zone further enriches the master-planned township’s active philosophy, standing alongside an expansive open lawn within the commercial development. “Iloilo is an undisputed football country; the passion for the sport is woven deeply into our culture. With this football pitch, we aren’t just laying down turf — we are establishing a sanctuary where local talent can be discovered, honed, and elevated. We are immensely proud to build a space that honors our roots while giving our future athletes the platform they deserve to excel on the national and global stage,” said Filinvest Land Vice President and Visayas Regional General Manager Louie Carandang.
Through this development, Iloilo Centrale continues to set itself apart from traditional master-planned areas by creating meaningful spaces that blend athletic excellence with everyday lifestyle needs. Filinvest Land First Vice President and Residential Township Head Gerard Marcelo shared, “Our goal for Iloilo Centrale has always been to build a township that breathes life into the aspirations of the community. This partnership with the PFF allows us to anchor our township in shared values of wellness and unity. The football pitch will be the beating heart of a dynamic hub where sports, modern lifestyle, and sustainable community engagement seamlessly come together.” The collaboration with the Philippine Football Federation ensures that the facility complies with standard specifications conducive to grassroots development programs, youth tournaments, and rigorous training sessions. “The Philippine Football Federation is thrilled to partner with Filinvest Land in this monumental undertaking. True grassroots football development relies heavily on accessibility and quality infrastructure. By bringing a dedicated football pitch to the center of Iloilo Centrale, we are expanding our reach and ensuring that the future generation of football players has the right environment to foster their discipline and love for the game,” said PFF President Johnny Gutierrez. The groundbreaking of the football field accelerates the development of Iloilo Centrale, signaling a vibrant future for its primary residential component, Futura Rise. This exclusive, modern Spanish-themed walk-up condominium community offers a low-density, wellness-centered lifestyle where everyday essentials are within walking distance.
By integrating residential spaces with active lifestyle amenities, Filinvest Land is transforming the 11.4-hectare estate into Metro Iloilo’s next economic and recreational heartbeat. As construction begins, the Iloilo Centrale Football Field stands as a testament to local heritage meeting forward-looking community development — proudly shaping the future of Iloilo, one goal at a time.
