University of Cebu Opens State-of-the-Art Gymnastics Training Center

Cebu City, Philippines – On July 10, 2025, the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters officially inaugurated their first-ever gymnastics training center at the UC Main Campus, marking a significant enhancement to their athletic program. The facility, which boasts a budget of over 2 million Philippine pesos, has been fully financed by UC President Atty. Augusto W. Go, with contributions from his niece and granddaughters, who are currently enrolled in the gymnastics program. During the inauguration ceremony, UC Athletic Director Jessica Honoridez emphasized the importance of this new center in bolstering the gymnastics scene in Central Visayas, particularly as the region seeks to regain its former competitive edge in national competitions such as the Palarong Pambansa.

The gymnastics center is equipped with a comprehensive array of standard gymnastics apparatus, including a full-sized mat, rings, uneven bars, vault, pommel horse, parallel bars, springboard, high bar, and balance beam. This investment is expected to facilitate improved training conditions for both current UC gymnasts and public school athletes from the community, who will also be welcomed to utilize the facility.

"Atty. Go has shown tremendous support for our program. He even suggested acquiring additional equipment to further enhance the training experience," Honoridez stated. "Our primary goal is to elevate the performance of our athletes in upcoming competitions, especially in the Cebu City Olympics and CVIRAA. Central Visayas has struggled in recent Palaro editions, largely due to inadequate training resources."

Head Coach Darlene Dela Pisa, who has a personal connection to the project through her granddaughters, expressed her gratitude during the ceremony. "It was an emotional day for me. I never anticipated such support from Atty. Go," Dela Pisa said. "This center will not only focus on our gymnasts but also aims to nurture budding talent from public schools, thereby strengthening the overall gymnastics community in the region."

Historically, Central Visayas has produced notable gymnastic talents, including Daniela Reggie Dela Pisa, a gold medalist at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. However, recent years have seen a decline in the region's performance at major athletic competitions. The establishment of the UC gymnastics center represents a concerted effort to reverse this trend.

As the UC Webmasters continue to expand their athletic portfolio, the new gymnastics facility is set to play a crucial role in fostering future generations of gymnasts and restoring Central Visayas' legacy in the sport. The center's opening is a testament to the university's commitment to excellence in athletics and community engagement, aiming to inspire young athletes and elevate the standard of gymnastics in the region.