CCSC track oval’s total replacement endorsed

CEBU, Philippines — Following assessments by the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) and a private sports organization, it has been recommended to completely replace the track oval at Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) due to surface damage from the materials used.

In a letter dated 2 October 2025, the DEPW responded to the City Council’s resolution seeking a comprehensive status report on the rehabilitation of the CCSC track oval.

The DEPW submitted copies of the following: the Ocular Visit Report prepared by E-Sports International Inc., the Statement of Work Accomplished (SWA) as of February 2024, and the Evaluation Report prepared by the DEPW Inspectorate Team.

In its report, E-Sports outlined its findings based on its ocular inspection. According to them, the material installed on the track oval is a “Spray Coat System” and not a “Sandwich System.”

They explained that the Sandwich System consists of two layers—the bottom layer being an in-situ 10mm-SBR rubber, and the top layer composed of liquid polyurethane over which EPDM rubber granules are broadcast for the required cushioning and durability.

They added that when this method is installed properly, its impermeable system can last for at least 10 years.

The Spray Coat System, on the other hand, consists of a 10–11mm SBR base layer on which EPDM granules are sprayed. They added that the thickness of the sprayed layer should be 2–3mm, depending on the product used. They emphasized that the total thickness should be about 13mm.

“In Spray Systems, the top typically wears off within three years, revealing the black layer underneath over time,” E-Sports International outlined.

They summarized that the oval track surface system used was the Spray System, which is both permeable and not spike-proof. They added that the Sandwich System, on the other hand, is ideal for competition tracks because it is both spike-proof and impermeable.

Another finding highlighted in the same report is that the Spray Coat is a “permeable system.” They explained that if water is not drained properly, it makes the oval track squishy and can cause the system’s disintegration.

“This is particularly true for substandard products,” they stressed.

Furthermore, they explained that athletes’ metal spikes cut through the oval track system’s surface, “breaking it.” They added that this allows water to seep into the system, detaching it from the base and creating a vacuum underneath.

Regarding the drainage system, they cited that installing canal gratings between the D-section and the eight lanes is not advisable, adding that this would be unsafe for athletes. They said the standard design should use slotted drains.

“The grooves on the canal curb need to be increased, as dirt from the oval track gets stuck, causing water to pond on the side of the track,” they assessed.

To sum it up, they highlighted that the metal spikes used by athletes training at the facility are cutting the system's surface. They added that being a permeable system, the disintegration worsens with the tears on the surface.

During their ocular visit, they also reported that the thickness of the oval track system is less than the standard 13mm, even for spray systems.

“The black layer under the sprayed EPDM is already visible in some areas. The system in several areas has already detached from the asphalt base,” they ruled.

“There are several reasons for this occurrence, although it can also be attributed to substandard quality of the materials used,” they added.

They also suggested that the D-section’s drain canal be changed to slotted drains to meet the safety standards set for athletes and other users.

Aside from this, they said that while the slope of the oval track seems correct, the D-section’s slope needs to be reviewed. In line with this, they recommended repairing the damaged areas and prohibiting the use of metal spikes.

“However, the oval track will continue to be damaged within the next few months because the product used and its application are below the acceptable standards for competition tracks,” an excerpt of the report reads.

Another option they provided is to replace the entire surface using the Sandwich System with a WAF Product Certification.

The DEPW, on the other hand, also conducted an ocular inspection on 4 November 2024, with the DEPW Inspectorate Team, Engineer Roel Capucao, Project Engineer, and Edgar Zaspa, Materials Inspector, along with then-Councilor Jerry Guardo, who was the chairman of the Infrastructure Committee of the City Council.

In their recommendations, they stressed that considering the evident damages at the front portion of the rubberized track, there should be a “total removal and replacement.”

For the back portion, they added that there should be verification of the actual thickness of the rubber installed to determine if it has achieved the required 13mm. They added that it is incumbent upon the contractor to conduct testing and prove compliance with the required thickness.

“If it has attained the required thickness, minor repair is recommended, provided the joining joints methodology is presented and the final product is homogeneous; if not, then include it in the total removal and replacement,” they said.

They also recommended that prior to replacing the rubber surface, the contractor must submit the installation methodology, including a blow-up section indicating the type of materials and the thickness of each layer.

They further recommended that quality tests of the materials used must be submitted for approval prior to use.

Additionally, they recommended that the contractor coordinate with the DEPW Inspectorate Team during the repair of the track oval. They also advised hiring an independent consultant who is an expert in rubber surface installation for proper supervision. “Repair must be carried out as soon as possible,” they said.

In the first week of September, it was reported that, despite visible damage to its surface, the rubberized track oval would remain open for public use but is being considered for another round of funding for repairs in next year’s annual budget.

This came after Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival led an inspection of the track oval.

During the inspection, he noted that the primary concern is the damage, mostly around the starting line, which now poses risks to runners. In his conversation with CCSC Executive Chairman Brando Velasquez, it was agreed that a formal status report would be submitted to the DEPW.

Archival also directed an investigation into whether the contractor had already completed the project and received full payment. (CEBU NEWS)