After Sinulog 2025: CCSC oval contractor won’t repair damage

CEBU, Philippines — The contractor of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) rubberized track oval, SBD Builders, will no longer repair the track if it sustains damage during the Sinulog 2025 celebration. This prompted the Cebu City Government to implement stringent measures to protect the facility.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the committee on infrastructure, emphasized the city’s cautious approach in preparing the CCSC to avoid compromising the integrity of the rubberized track oval.

“We are now very cautious and mindful,” said Guardo.

“Remember nga kanang rubber are designed rajud for athletes… that’s why we learned na after the Palaro na damaged siya. That’s why this time, we are very cautious sa pag-handle and sa pag-manage sa atong track oval,” he added.

The CCSC oval, designed exclusively for athletic activities, has undergone multiple closures and repairs. It was shut down in May 2023 for rehabilitation and reopened in August 2024, only to be closed again on November 13, 2024, after sustaining damages from hosting the Palarong Pambansa and the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

For Sinulog 2025, a makeshift stage is being constructed inside the facility, and Guardo said the city is implementing additional safeguards.

“We have advised the management of the CCSC to use manlifts to mobilize materials going to the centerfield and to avoid the surface of the track oval,” he explained.

To further protect the oval, portions of the track are covered with plywood to serve as a bridge for those crossing to the centerfield. Despite these precautions, Guardo reiterated that Sinulog would be the “last straw” for the contractor’s obligations to the track.

“They were able to do it during our party (city hall), so I think they’re aware now, and they can deploy additional manpower for the rubber,” Guardo added, suggesting the deployment of more personnel to guard the track during the festivities.

The CCSC will serve as the main venue for Sinulog 2025 grand showdown. Guardo also pointed out that the installation of the LED wall and lights, as well as the stage construction, are the city’s final critical preparations.

Earlier, CCSC Manager Jovito Taburada confirmed that repairs on the track oval had been completed after a two-month closure and that it was even used for the Cebu City Olympics. However, the decision to reopen the track to the public lies with Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia. Taburada said the oval’s closure had affected the CCSC’s revenues by almost 50 percent loss. He said the center used to have an average income of P60,000 per day but now dropped to P30,000. — (FREEMAN)