Newly repaired CCSC track oval damaged anew

Local

FRESH cracks, peeled patches, and bulging sections have appeared on the Cebu City Sports Center’s (CCSC) rubberized track.

Brando Velasquez, newly installed executive director of the CCSC, confirmed the damage during an inspection with reporters on Tuesday, September 2.

“Well sa atong makita duna nay damages nga nahitabo primarily sa starting line. Medyo naa nay nangaguba na rubber. Naa nay nangita nga bangag bangag, naay ubag dagko,” Velasquez said.

He noted that portions of the oval are now uneven, with some areas bulging due to water seepage.

“Naay portion nga risky na kay nibutlog na, espalto na ang nisaka. Naay niburot nga portion unya kuyaw mudagan ang bata kay dili makit-an kay ni-hump siya,” he warned.

Velasquez pointed to the quality of rubber used in the latest renovation as the primary issue. He compared it to the original track installed by a German company in 1994, which lasted nearly 20 years before requiring its first major repair in 2012.

“Sa akong tan-aw poor quality gyud sa rubber ang naa… kaniadto naay solvent, naay pula pa gyud, nipilit sa espalto. Karon uga kaayo, wala nipilit sa semento,” Velasquez explained, stressing that the newly applied surface did not adhere properly.

He added that signs of damage were already noticeable even before the Palaro opened in July.

Velasquez said temporary warning signage will be installed to alert runners of the uneven spots. He also raised the possibility of closing the oval entirely if repair work is carried out, though other CCSC facilities will remain open.

“Kuyaw kaayo na… kung mag repair, mag-close gyud ta sa oval. Ang uban facilities padayon kay naa man mga bata mag-practice,” he said.

He further noted that if left unrepaired, the track could become unsafe within two years. For now, officials are considering placing plywood panels over damaged sections, especially in preparation for the Sinulog activities, but Velasquez maintained that full rehabilitation is necessary.

Velasquez said he has already discussed the issue with Mayor Nestor Archival, who is set to meet with him next week to determine the next course of action.

The oval was rehabilitated from May 2023 to July 2024 as part of the City Government’s P53-million preparation for its hosting bid for the Palarong Pambansa. The last major repair of the oval cost P26 million in 2012.

Velasquez, who has been with the CCSC since its early years, emphasized that the durability of the old track is proof that stronger, higher-quality materials are needed if the sports center is to remain safe and at par with national standards.

“Poor quality gyud pinaka rason akong tan-aw,” he reiterated.(TGP)