Capitol social hall rehab begins

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has started more than P1 million worth of repair and rehabilitation works at the Capitol Social Hall to address persistent roof leaks and deteriorating ceiling structures, as part of efforts to ensure the safety of guests during major events and preparations for the upcoming founding anniversary celebration of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

The project, which began in the second week of June, is expected to be completed by the end of July, giving the provincial government enough time to prepare the venue for activities lined up for the Capitol's founding anniversary in August.

Maria Teresa Alcos, head of the Provincial General Services Office, said the repairs were prompted by visible signs of deterioration that had become increasingly apparent over the years.

“Nakakita man gud ko nga angay na repair. So naka-observe g’yud ko unsa na siya ka-dilapidated,” said Alcos

She noted that portions of the facility had already shown significant wear and tear. She said certain sections of the roof had developed leaks, causing water to seep into the structure and damage parts of the ceiling.

There were instances when sections of the ceiling detached due to prolonged water exposure.

“Naa man gud to’y time nga nahuplak g’yud ‘tong kisame tungod sa tubig nga nisulod na sa ceiling joist,” she said.

She added that similar incidents had occurred multiple times over the past several years, including earlier this year, raising concerns over the safety of people attending events at the social hall.

Despite the ongoing rehabilitation, Alcos stressed that the project was carefully planned to preserve the heritage value of the Capitol building.

She said the repair works were approved by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and reviewed through the Capitol’s heritage consultant, Architect Robert Malayao.

Among the major components of the project is the replacement of the existing ceiling materials that had already deteriorated due to years of exposure to moisture.

“Ilisan na namo ang kisame kay need na g’yud,” she added.

Provincial Engineer’s Office personnel handling infrastructure projects at the Capitol recommended replacing the old HardieFlex ceiling boards with marine plywood, which officials said is more suitable for the conditions at the venue.

Engr. Noel Gurrea, who is overseeing infrastructure projects within the Capitol compound, explained that the existing ceiling material became vulnerable after repeated exposure to water.

“Ang HardieFlex man gud, ang behavior ana niya once mabasa na siya kay bug-at,” Gurrea said.

He noted that HardieFlex, which is made from a light concrete-based material, becomes brittle when soaked and is more prone to cracking and eventual failure.

“Bug-at man gud nang HardieFlex unya brittle man gud na siya, so mo-crack dayon,” he said.

Gurrea said marine plywood was chosen because it has already been tested for durability and will be reinforced with ceiling joists to improve structural strength.

He added that the contractor was requested to complete the works before August to allow the provincial government sufficient time to prepare for the Capitol’s founding anniversary activities. — /BRP (FREEMAN)