Skaters in Bacolod now have a new home to call their own with the unveiling of the Bacolod Skate Park, the largest covered skate park in the Philippines, located in Barangay Vista Alegre.
The 1,355-square-meter facility, funded by the national government, was inaugurated on Saturday by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, alongside local officials and members of the city’s skating community.
“We’re aligning Bacolod as one of the sports destinations in the country,” Gasataya said. “I’ve already informed the Philippine Sports Commission that the biggest covered skate park is in Bacolod City,” he added.
Implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways–Western Visayas, the P241-million project also includes a multi-purpose center with a basketball court and bleachers, creating a shared space for sports and community gatherings.
Investing in Sports and Local Talent
Gasataya said the new facilities will support Bacolod’s bid to host the Batang Pinoy Games next year and could also serve as a training center and dormitory for athletes.
“For us, sports is a priority. There are many possibilities for how this national government project can help develop our local athletes,” he said.
Benitez, for his part, expressed optimism that the park will inspire more young skateboarders to pursue the sport and reach international standards.
The venue is set to host its first major event, the MassKaralympics BMX and Skateboard Competition, on October 11 and 12, which will gather participants from across the country.
A Dream Fulfilled for Bacolod’s Skaters
For the city’s skating community, the park is the realization of a dream two decades in the making.
“It’s one of the best skate parks in the country, and it’s covered—most are open-air,” said architect and skater Paulo Gepulango. “We’ve been requesting this since 20 years ago.”
National team member and Skate Pilipinas 2025 women’s champion Cindy Lou Serna, a proud Bacolod native, said the new park will allow her and other local skaters to train closer to home.
“There are many young skaters here with great potential. This park will help them grow,” Serna said.
