CCSC renovation to be completed on February 2024

CEBU, Philippines — The renovation of the track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) is still at 30 percent since its closure approximately six months ago.

Jovito Taburada, executive director of CCSC, said that they are targeting the completion of the renovation this February 2024, just in time before the City Olympics and the Palarong Pambansa will set off.

According to Taburada, among the contributory factors that lengthened the renovation is the process of bidding for the contractor.

Aside from the renovation of the center's oval, Taburada said construction of the swimming pool is also ongoing which progresses at 70 to 80 percent.

Member of the Task Force Palarong Pambansa, Bernard Ricablanca, said they are set to open the swimming pool this December 2023.

"But nevertheless, dili lang kay ang pool, you know ang hallway? Giayo nasad nato, ang mga offices, the shower rooms, and the comfort rooms, so probably these are the things that the mayor wants to be on top of it," said Ricablanca, in an interview with the media on Monday.

As to the income of CCSC, Taburada said its employees are still being paid despite the closure. Before the closure, CCSC could generate an income of at least P60,000 per day.

Aside from the construction of the CCSC, there will be installations of three arcs around the area that will serve as entrance and exit points as well as to establish its identity.

According to Ricablanca, this is also in line with the directives of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

The main arc will be installed beside Abellana Police Station, another one in front of the CCSC along Osmeña Boulevard and another one will be at the back gate near the Elizabeth Mall along N. Bacalso Avenue.

"During the parade, dili lang kay usa ang main entrance, there are three of four entrances, nga gamiton nato during the Palarong Pambansa this 2024," said Ricablanca.

The construction of the arc is still in the process of coming up with the design which the contractor is still undetermined.

The Palarong Pambansa will happen this July 22-26, 2024 in which Taburada and Ricablanca have claimed that all these civil works are just right on track. — (FREEMAN)