GenSan to put up ‘Hall of Champions’
Aside from Pacquiao, who is already assured of a spot in the world boxing’s Hall of Fame with his record eight world championships in eight divisions, the city has produced a number of “champions” these past decades in boxing and other fields.
They include former world super featherweight titlist Rolando Navarrette, ex-World Boxing Organization super flyweight world champion Marvin Sonsona and four-division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr.[]
Three years ago, the city government also declared as among the city’s “champions” 2011 Bb. Pilipinas-Miss Universe titlist and 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup.
Milleza asked the city government’s sports division to start gathering mementos, footages, artifacts, souvenirs, tokens and other important documents that highlight the achievements of the city’s “champions.”
He urged the sports division personnel to utilize various means, including modern technology, in gathering the necessary materials that will be showcased later on in the “Hall of Champions.”
“These materials or mementos will help immortalize the achievements of our champions and ensure that their memories will linger upon the minds of our children and future generations,” he said.
Through the facility, Milleza said they are hoping to offer another attraction for tourists or visitors to the area.
He noted that in the past several years, a significant number of tourists have visited the city because of its “champions” like Pacquiao.
Pacquiao’s mansions in Barangays Lagao and Labangal here already have become top attractions for foreign and domestic tourists that were visiting the city, he said.[]
Mayor Rivera has initially expressed support to the proposed establishment of a “Hall of Champions” in the city.
Last year, the city government unveiled a collection of historical mementos of the city and other related materials at a section of the city’s improved library, which is located at the Sangguniang Panlunsod building.
