A new track oval

CEBU - I am very happy to learn that the City of Cebu had a huge surplus from last year’s budget because this could mean something very good for sports and a wish come true for me and thousands of other Cebuanos using the Cebu City Sports Center – a new rubberized track oval.

Cebu City Mayor on-leave Tomas Osmeña announced during the Sinulog that the city has a surplus of over P250 million. 

He promised funds for the councilors and the senior citizens and I think there is still more than enough if the mayor would approve the use of the extra money for the replacement of the track oval.

This is something long overdue and it is about time the city does something about it.

Maybe the councilors, who are members of the Cebu City Sports Commission, can give their P3 million pork barrel for the repair of the oval, which will benefit more people that putting them in various small projects in the different barangays.

I also believe that many corporate sponsors would be willing to help if given a good package that would justify their expense.

Now that we’re done with the Sinulog festivities, our city’s officials tasked for the upkeep of the sports center can focus their effort on repairing the oval.

It can be done.

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I received a text message yesterday morning from Retired (but still looking very youthful) General Rodante Joya, who thanked me for my support to the Mactan Amateur Open.

The good general said that he has talked with Clifford Celdran, general manager of Cebu Country Club, and Vic Gocela, team captain of the Alta Vista team about the future of the tournament.

They hope to do alternate hosting of the event or even a tri-hosting with each round to be played in a different club.

One thing I admire very much about these three gentlemen is that they can walk the talk. 

It’s Mactan Open for next week’s tournament, but next year this will be the Cebu Open. I bet all my one-putts on that.

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The tournament set on Thursday and Friday next week is a 36-hole strokeplay event.

There will be two categories – men’s regular and the seniors’ for those 55 years old and older.

Entry fee has been pegged at P2,000 with the champion of each category to receive a trophy and gift certificate while the 2nd to 10th placers would each get a gift certificate.

Cebu bets to the Philippine Airlines Interclub tournament next month in Davao City are expected to show off their skills next week as some sort of a warm up.

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MILESTONES: My best wishes to the grade six pupils of Don Bosco Technology Center, who will have their confirmation rites this morning at the Lourdes Parish Church in barangay Punta Princesa.

Happy birthday greetings to Cavalier Ramil Roberto B. Enriquez of PMA class ’88 and the Crestina Oliverio, who both turn a year older today.

More power!  (THE FREEMAN)