Hontiveros assures place for board skaters

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros has assured the skateboarding community that there are plans for the implementation of a temporary skate park for them.

"We were already making some effort," said Hontiveros.

This after Cebuana skating star Margielyn Didal renewed her call for more facilities for the sport in the Philippines. Hontiveros, vice chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports Development, is appealing to the skateboarding community to be patient since they are doing the best that they can to find a temporary space for them.

"Nakasabot ko sa statement ni Margielyn Didal and naka-appreciate sad ko sa iyang honesty na kinahanglan na gyud naa," said Hontiveros.

Hontiveros explained that they have found a temporary spot for the skateboarders across San Nicolas Church, where a covered court is located.

However, they were not able to carry on with the plan to implement the temporary skate park because it was occupied by fish wholesalers.

These wholesalers were placed in the covered court due to the ongoing construction of a fish port, which is a project of the previous administration.

"Giatiman sad ang mga nanginabuhi didto," said Hontiveros.

Hontiveros said he is waiting for the advice of the City Planning Office regarding the possible location of the temporary skate park.

He said he already requested an increase for the Sports Development budget, for the benefit of the skateboarders, which is covered in the Annual Budget 2020.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros together with Councilors Eduardo Rama Jr., and Jessica Resch, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, were tasked by Vice Mayor Michael Rama to come up with a "heroes welcome" for the city athletes who participated in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Hontiveros said they are planning to invite the city athletes during the flag raising ceremony at the City Hall on Monday, December 16. (FREEMAN)