Track oval contractor insists: Materials not substandard

CEBU, Philippines — The contractor of the track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) has insisted that it did not use substandard materials, and further recommended that cultural events should not be held in the facility as the track oval’s resistance only complements sporting events.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Shaun Doherty, owner of SBD Builders, said that following his meeting with acting Mayor Raymond Garcia, he recommended that if possible, no other activities apart from sporting events should be held inside the CCSC as it may compromise the quality of the track oval.

"Pero wa man tay mahimo kay naa man gihapoy activities diha kay sports complex man na. Dapat unta ana ang mga cultural events nato ibutang sa cultural center not in sports center kay maguba ra gihapon na," he said.

According to Doherty, the transportation of equipment during recent events had a contributing factor to the damages to the oval, which wear and tear showed even less than a week before the July Palarong Pambansa took place. The track oval was specifically renovated for the city’s hosting of the major sporting event.

"Kay kana sya, pang track and field ra gyud na sya, dili gyud na sya pwede of other activities," said Doherty.

Doherty further clarified that they did not rush the completion of the track oval, nor did they use substandard materials.

"No dili na sya substandard. That rubber is the same rubber that is widely-used all over the world, there is no substandard nga material nga gibutang dira," he said.

In fact, Doherty explained that the rubberized oval is also weather-resistant, which means it won’t be damaged during extreme heat or incessant rain.

But he said the damage started during the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa where materials to build a makeshift stage were transported. He added that from there, it escalated.

"Atong rubber is only for sports track; it's not meant for anything else, but sports," he added.

Doherty stressed that with various events hosted on the CCSC’s track oval, this will become a concern for them adding that they cannot just come back and repair it all the time.

He, however, assures that they will be fixing the current damages under the warranty, but can't determine a timeframe as they have to consider the consistency of the weather.

According to him, the damage only encompasses at least 300 to 400 sqm, but they will extend this repair to 600sqm.

Garcia also inspected the track oval anew yesterday, Sept. 16, 2024, together with Doherty, and announced that it will continue to operate while the damages will be repaired.

Garcia said that according to the contractor they have to order the materials from China, which might take time. With this, he added the closure of the track oval for the rehabilitation has not been determined yet and it will remain open to the public until further notice.

Garcia said that the frontage may have to be repaired first, which includes at least 600 sqm of the track oval that shows obvious damage, apparently from vehicles used to transport materials during recent events.

"So he said he will need about one week, 1 to 2 weeks to lay down all of these granules, and another two weeks for two weeks," he said.

The acting mayor, however, assured that despite the closure due to the rehabilitation, it will still conclude just in time for the Sinulog 2025. Garcia has declared that the primary venue of the grand ritual showdown will be at the CCSC instead of the South Road Properties (SRP).

Earlier on, the City Council, during a regular session, also sought clarification on the integrity of the SBD Builders, particularly on the process it went through under the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

Garcia, however, said there is already a procurement law that backs up the liabilities that the contractor may have to deal with should there be any lapses or delays on the project.

"But maghuwat ko if naa bay recommendation from BAC or even from any office. As of now wala pa gyud nato na makit-an ang possible liability sa part sa contractor," said Garcia.

He further reiterated that the repairs will have to be considered as a back job that will have no additional cost on the part of the city government.

As for the athlete who was injured allegedly due to the damage of the track oval, Garcia said they are looking into the matter, which will start by revisiting the CCTV cameras around the track oval.

Meanwhile, Garcia announced that registered senior citizens of Cebu City will have a free day pass to use the track oval to encourage them to be healthy.

Garcia proposes that on Mondays and Wednesdays, senior citizens can use the track oval for free.

“Because I want to encourage the senior citizens to come out, exercise and be healthy, mao nay pinaka importante," said Garcia.

He also eyes to extend this privilege to the employees of the Cebu City Hall on the same days. — (FREEMAN)