CCSC oval’s uneven surface injures athlete; P800K damages sought

DAMAGED portions of the rubberized track of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) are not just an eyesore. They pose serious threats to users too.

The danger that the track oval’s uneven surface poses was brought out by Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon, who disclosed that a Cebuana karateka was injured while training at the facility.

During a session on Wednesday, September 11, Gealon revealed that Karla Katrina Kim Arriba is seeking damages from the contractor which handled the renovation of the rubberized track of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) after she got injured due to the oval track’s defective surface.

Arriba sustained a broken left finger when she tripped over a lump in the track during a sprint training at the CCSC track on August 29. The athlete was preparing for upcoming tournaments in Dumaguete City, Danao City, and Indonesia.

The injury required surgery the next day.

Arriba's lawyer, in a letter dated September 10, 2024, outlined the damages, totaling nearly P880,000. These included P10,000 in medical expenses and P20,000 for PhilHealth claims, a loss of P550,000 in income due to her role as a business owner and karate instructor, as well as claims for moral and exemplary damages totaling P300,000.

Gealon highlighted the city’s liability under Article 2189 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, which holds local governments accountable for injuries caused by defective public facilities.

He stressed the need to close the damaged lanes of the track and to push the contractor, SBD Builders Inc., to fix the issue.

Gealon emphasized that the city should avoid exposing itself to unnecessary legal risks by permitting the public to use a damaged track, calling for immediate action to prevent further injuries.

The track underwent renovation worth over P50 million ahead of the Palarong Pambansa last July, but issues like surface lumps and incorrect lane markings were reported.

These defects caused the nullification of several track and field records during the event.

City officials expressed concern over the ongoing use of the track and the potential for more accidents.

Councilor Joy Augustus Young, who was involved in earlier renovations for the 1994 Palarong Pambansa, warned of the risks the current track condition poses to athletes.

Young pointed out that the rubber had not adhered properly to the asphalt, increasing the risk of tripping. He urged city officials to focus on repairing the damaged lanes and partially close the track until repairs are made.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he plans to inspect the track but has yet to set a meeting with SBD Builders to discuss repairs. He had previously mentioned that repairs would begin after the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo festival.

Councilor Franklyn Ong called for an executive session with the contractor, the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC), and the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to address the issue. The session is set for September 18.

CCSC Manager Jovito Taborada said this was the first reported incident involving the track oval.

He confirmed that a medical team is always available at the sports center to respond to emergencies. However, the facility remains open to the public despite concerns about safety.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Cebu City Sports Center
• #Rey Gealon
• #Broken Left Finger
• #Damages
• #Rubberized Track Oval
• #Injury