The Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, has been recognized as a nominee for the prestigious ArchDaily 2025 Building of the Year Awards. Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc proudly announced the nomination and encouraged residents to vote for the stadium before the February 19 deadline via the provided link. The stadium, which can seat over 12,000 spectators and spans 43,820 square meters, has become a beloved spot for sports lovers and runners alike.
The ArchDaily awards, now in their 16th year and sponsored by Dornbracht, celebrate top-tier architectural achievements globally. Out of nearly 4,000 entries, only 75 projects made it to the finals across 15 categories. The awards emphasize design excellence, innovation, and sustainability, reflecting the current trends and high standards in architecture.
The Marcos Stadium, which was significantly damaged by Typhoon Ompong in 2018, has been restored with funding from the Development Bank of the Philippines and reopened in 2022. It now serves as a key venue for sports events and athlete training. The stadium’s exterior showcases the traditional Ilocano ‘abel’ cloth, featuring the ‘binakol’ or whirlwind pattern in a large, geometric design.
Beyond sports, the stadium hosts major festivals and concerts, and it is set to be the central venue for the Palarong Pambansa games in April. This nomination underscores the stadium’s role as a significant architectural and cultural landmark in Ilocos Norte.