One-stop-shop sports hub plan to be done soon

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebu City Councilor is now finalizing the master plan for the one-stop sports hub to be established at a 29-hectare area in the South Road Properties.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr., deputy mayor for sports development, said he has submitted the initial plan to Mayor Tomas Osmeña last week.

“The mayor wants it to be revised. He wants nga ang parking area is at the center of all the areas for the sports activities for easy access sa atong sports enthusiasts,” Gabuya told The FREEMAN.

Gabuya said he is eyeing to resubmit the master plan within the month so that the next step will be done. Osmeña has been vocal on his plan for the creation of a one-stop sports hub which he envisioned to establish within his term.

In the sports hub, Gabuya said the proposal includes football fields, baseball fields, volleyball court, tennis court, and areas for biking, skateboarding, walking and running in the park.

Gabuya said the mayor also wants to put a swimming pool, area for go cart, a bicycle lane, motocross, among others.

“Well, kon imong tan-awn, maoy kuwang diri. We lack the public facilities for sports. We are a highly urbanized city but lupig ta sa other local government units,” he said.

Gabuya said the existing Cebu City Sports Complex is not enough to meet the demand of the sports enthusiasts of the Cebuanos. He said the one-stop sports hub will also cater for training grounds for aspiring athletes who want to represent the city in national and international competitions.

He said the city government will soon host national, Asian, and international sports completion when the sports hub will be operational.

After finalizing the master plan this month, Gabuya said he will also be finalizing the terms on how to develop the area.

He said there are individuals who presented to help the city government in developing the sports hub at the SRP. Among them was South District Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa.

Gabuya said the city will also consider public-private partnership with private sectors in the establishment of the sports hub.

The 29-hectare area is near a mall at the SRP. The property was part of the 45.2-hectare lot sale sealed by the previous administration to three giant developers, whose names are being withheld pending comment.

“I don’t care how long would it take in court. In the meantime, we will use it for the kids,” the mayor earlier said.

Gabuya said he will not discuss the legality of the sale since he was just asked to do the master plan of the sports hub and for its operation. He said he will just do his part which includes possible sponsorship of an ordinance for the establishment of the sports hub at SRP. (FREEMAN)