CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Valdemar Chiong led the soft opening of the new standard-size oval in Barangay Central Poblacion, Naga City last week.
Students found a whole new experience running on the rubberized track oval during the recently-held annual City of Naga District Athletic Association (CNDAA) meet. These student athletes were the first to use the city's newest sports facility, which is considered a far cry from running on hard flat surface at the city's baywalk area.
Joggers and running enthusiasts are not allowed to use yet this eight-lane, 400-meter rubberized track pending the full completion of its basic amenities. It was merely used temporarily during the CNDAA meet.
Mayor Chiong said it was only a soft opening though because there are still minor parts of the oval to be finished.
The project started in May this year for a total cost of P68 million.
Chiong said the oval is envisioned to be just like that at the Cebu City Sports Center wherein the rubberized track has eight lanes.
There are also bleachers and other amenities to be expected upon its completion.
Chiong said the Department of Education-7 has already invited the city to formalize its bid to host the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) meet in February next year.
“We are hoping that before the CVRAA, we will be able to showcase not only our oval but also our other sports facilities, such as the new tennis court and possibly, our Olympic-size swimming pool,” he added.
The construction of the new oval was met controversies after conservationists opposed the removal of trees that were growing in the area.
The oval, located within the compound of the City of Naga Central School, was part of Chiong's major programs in his third and final term.