New FEM Stadium won “Highly Commended Prize” at 2023 World Architecture Fest 

Published on: December 15, 2023By: Allyssa Charisse G. Magno

The newly-rehabilitated Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Memorial Stadium of Ilocos Norte was awarded with the “Highly Commended Prize” and was shortlisted in the Sports Category at the World Architecture Festival 2023.

The World Architecture Award is the largest global live awarding event bringing together architects, designers, and suppliers from around the globe. According to their website, the awarding ceremony is a way to recognize international proposals and projects which embraces cutting-edge design addressing major world issues ranging from tackling the climate emergency to building community resilience. The awards aim to inspire and promote excellence in the field of architecture.

The FEM stadium is part of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) “Big 3” infrastructure project alongside the expansion of the Provincial Capitol and the redevelopment of the Dap-ayan Commercial Building. 

The lead architect and designer of the newly rehabilitated FEM stadium is the world renowned urban planner Architect William Ti which based the design of the exterior walls of the FEM stadium to the famous Ilokano handwoven cloth called “inabel.”

With a building area of over 16,000 square meter and 12,000 seating capacity, the FEM stadium is equipped with outdoor amphitheater, a fully rubberized track,  natural grass soccer field, community spaces, concession areas, VIP areas, and media boxes. 

In addition to the sports facilities at the FEM stadium, a sports dormitory and training center for athletes will be built by PGIN following international standards. This is in support of Ilocos Norte’s stake as the “Sports Tourism Hub of Northern Luzon.”

The Provincial Government led by Governor Marcos Manotoc has been relentless in constructing and rehabilitating priority projects that can serve as sports facilities to accommodate major sporting events.

PGIN recently announced that the FEM stadium is now open to public, encouraging people to make use of the enhanced facilities for sports and recreation.