Rizal Memorial Sports ComplexRizal Memorial Sports Complex is a National Historical Landmark, NHCP; Important Cultural Property, National Museum located at Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region.
NHCP Resolution No. 5, S. 2017. National Museum Declaration covers: Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium, Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, Rizal Memorial Tennis Stadium, Rizal Memorial Swimming Stadium, Established buffer zones
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WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines provides that “The State shall promote and popularize the nation‘s historical and cultural heritage and resources."
WHEREAS, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act 10086 and Republic Act 10066 is vested with the power to declare national historical landmarks;
WHEREAS, during the American period, sports was integrated in the school curriculum and the Department of Public Recreation established playgrounds in different parts of Manila to meet the recreational needs of the student population and the general public;
WHEREAS, as Filipinos became adept in sports, the government deemed it proper that Manila, as the showcase of the modernization project of the Americans, should have a large-scale sports complex capable of hosting international sports events;
WHEREAS, the Playground and Recreation Commission, created by Governor General Leonard Wood in 1921 to promote to promotee wholesome play and recreation throughout the Islands, voted to construct a million-peso stadium with a seating capacity for 30,000 spectators at the Harrison Park, a ten-hectare site ceded by the City of Manila;
WHEREAS, in 1927, the Playground and Recreation Commission was replaced by the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation, which started the construction of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex;
WHEREAS, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was completed in 1931, in time for the country's hosting of the 10th Far Eastern Games;
WHEREAS, during World War II, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was used as a garrison by the Japanese troops but was liberated on 16 February 1945:
WHEREAS, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was rebuilt in 1953 and thereafter hosted not only athletic meets, but also entertainment, religious, and social events;
WHEREAS, the Rizal Memorial Stadium, designed by Juan Arellano of the Bureau of Public Works, is significant for as Art Deco style of architecture with features such as curving walls, double band of mouldings and beveled corners with nail head ornaments;
WHEREAS, in 2016, the National Museum identified the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex as an Important Cultural Property;
NOW THEREFORE, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in it by R.A. No. 10066 and R.A. No. 10086, hereby declares the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex a National Historical Landmark.
Approved in the NHCP Board Meeting dated 27 March 2017.