Let's Join Our Hands for Nature

From Dream to Reality: The San Antonio Covered Court

In the early 1980s, Barangay San Antonio had no proper space where young people could play sports, gather, or hold community events.

Games were played on borrowed school courts, side streets, or any vacant lot we could find.

When it rained, tournaments stopped.

When the sun burned hot, players still played under the scorching heat.

Yet the dream of a safe and welcoming home court never left my heart.

At that time, residents were very passive.

Many parents preferred their children to stay within a small, exclusive circle of friends rather than get involved in community activities.

Youth participation in barangay projects was almost nonexistent.

But for me, this was not a reason to give up.

It became a challenge I was determined to overcome.

I kept telling myself and the young people around me:

“After all, who else will take care of our community if not the people who live in it?”

Finding a Place Where There Was None

The first obstacle was clear: there was no available land for a sports complex.

I took the initiative to talk with the municipal public custodian and inspect government-owned properties.

That is when I discovered an old talipapa (small market) along Lumbayao Street — an unused area that could be transformed.

I requested the title of the land and began working on a plan.

With the approval of the Office of the Mayor, the barangay entered negotiations to buy adjoining residential properties to make the space large enough for a court.

One crucial piece was the property of Mrs. Purita Buni, a close friend of my late mother.

We needed to buy about 80 square meters at ₱10,000 per square meter to reach the size required for a standard basketball court.

I personally wrote to the Bureau of Internal Revenue to process and request clearance for the purchase.

Acquiring this property meant that some residents would need to be relocated.

It was not an easy conversation.

But something inspiring happened:

the very young people who were active in the barangay — those who would benefit most from the court — said YES.

They understood the vision and were willing to adjust because they believed the whole community, especially the next generation, would gain so much more.

Still, the space was not enough.

Behind the site was a property owned by the Saint Paul Seminary.

I personally went to negotiate and request a portion of their land for the sake of the youth.

Through God’s grace and persistent dialogue, the seminary approved.

Turning Paper Into Concrete

Once the land was secured, we requested plans and cost estimates from the Office of Engineer Nelson Erasga.

Funding came from city council allocations, barangay funds, and solicitations.

Convincing the community to support the project was not easy, but people saw the sincerity and concern — this was for their children and the whole barangay.

Slowly, hearts opened and support came.

Brick by brick, a dream began to rise.

A Dream Come True

Finally, the long-desired San Antonio Covered Court — a multi-purpose sports complex — became a reality.

What once seemed impossible became a place of life and unity:

Youth now had a safe, standard basketball court to play and grow. Families could watch, cheer, and celebrate together, rain or shine. The venue became home to community fiestas, livelihood programs, seminars, assemblies, and countless gatherings that strengthened bonds among residents.

The court started as a young man’s dream but turned into a symbol of what sincere service and persistence can achieve.

“It started with a dream — now it is a reality.

A simple vision for the youth became a lasting home for the whole community.”

Looking back, I know why people said yes:

they saw genuine care for the youth and the future of Barangay San Antonio.

Even those who needed to move chose to support the vision because they believed in a better tomorrow.

The covered court stands today not just as steel and concrete, but as a testament to faith, perseverance, and love for community.