Construction of sports center in Pasil begins in February

CEBU, Philippines - Construction of a multi-sports functional center at the old Pasil Fish Market will begin next month, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama announced yesterday.

Rama said the project will be undertaken by AS Enriquez Engineering Consultancy through the city government’s People-Privately Driven Governance (PPDG) office at no cost to the city.

The 1,000-square meter lot, which used to be occupied by the old Pasil Fish Market, was abandoned in 2013 after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Central Visayas damaged the market building severely.

Based on the plan, a space at the park will be allocated for chess, ping-pong, and skateboarding while courts will be built for tennis, volleyball, and sepak takraw. Rama said he would also want to have a “convertible” basketball court that can be friendly to children.   Rama said he wants the park to be an avenue to engage children into sports and other recreational activities. 

Edward Hayco, chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission, will supervise the multi-sports functional center.

“What is important now is that the park for the children has to be under him (Hayco) kay duol man sa sports institute. The park will also be utilized to sports and in the event that there is an emergency situation, it can also be identified as temporary evacuation site,” Rama said.

City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the city government will fence the area to secure the heavy equipment that would be used in construction.

 “The project is at no cost sa city government. Yuta lang atoa ana kay ang manpower ilaha man together with other contractors, ang city mo-assist ra gyud,” she said.

Mercado said the city government has saved the posts, angle bars, and other materials of the old Pasil Fish Market, saying that it will be used for the market in Barangay Lorega San Miguel.  (FREEMAN)