CCSC exec blames poor quality: Track oval damaged again

CEBU, Philippines — Less than a year after its rehabilitation, the rubberized track oval of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) may undergo another round of repairs—the third since 2024—after new damage was observed, allegedly due to the “poor quality of materials” used.

CCSC executive chairman Brando Velasquez believes the materials used were substandard.

Upon assessment, Velasquez said the problem is most visible at the starting line, where runners exert the most force at the gun start of races. He added that additional damage can also be seen in other parts of the oval.

“Naay ubang dagko, naay uban sad gagmay but eventually katong gagmay padung gud to’s dagko,” Velasquez said, referring to the cracks and holes forming on the track’s surface.

Since the oval has already undergone previous repairs, Velasquez reiterated his suspicion that the rubber used was of “poor quality.” While admitting he lacked the technical expertise to fully assess the materials, he said his conclusion comes from long exposure to the CCSC, having been involved since 1994 when the first rubber layer was installed.

He recalled that the original rubber lasted 19 years before being replaced in 2013. In contrast, he said, the current surface already shows deterioration, appearing dry and poorly bonded with the flooring.

“When I assumed as chairman on July 1, I could already see the damage,” Velasquez said, pointing out that it has not even been a year since the latest rehabilitation.

In previous reports, contractor SBD Builders blamed the damage on activities held at the CCSC, particularly the transport of materials and equipment. Velasquez, however, argued that in the past, such materials were moved using cranes to minimize surface contact.

“Sa ako na’ng gisulti ganina, ang poor quality (of materials) jud ang pinaka rason sa akong natan-aw,” Velasquez stressed.

He said Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival had personally inspected the oval and is already aware of its condition. In fact, the mayor was allegedly open to giving the contractor another chance to repair the oval.

With the 2026 Sinulog celebration set to be held at the CCSC, Velasquez said they plan to cover the oval to prevent further damage.

In the long run, he warned, the surface may need another round of repairs within two years to remain safe for public use. He added he has yet to confirm with the mayor if the contractor has already been paid.

He admitted the oval’s current state already poses safety risks because of bulges and holes.

“Lisod, kuyaw ha og ma igo, magdagan ang bata di sya makabantay…kay mura’g na hump na sya ba, masabod ang tiil,” he said.

To minimize risks, Velasquez said warning signages may be installed around damaged areas. But if repairs are pursued, he noted, the track may need to be closed entirely, which would significantly impact CCSC’s revenues since the oval alone can generate at least ?10,000 a day.

He recommended that repairs, if necessary, be scheduled after the Sinulog celebration.

The oval was reopened on June 27, 2024, just days before Cebu City hosted the Palarong Pambansa, after a major renovation and facelift. However, it was closed again on November 13, 2024, for refurbishments due to surface damage.

The contractor, SBD Builders, completed the repairs that same month despite delays. As of press time, there is no data on whether the project was already formally turned over to the city government.

In February 2025, SBD Builders complained about the city government’s delay in issuing a Certificate of Completion (COC), which was required for payment.

Then Cebu City mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia insisted that the track oval be assessed first by the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW). He clarified that all city government projects must be cleared by DEPW before any payment is made.

Earlier, DEPW recommended hiring a third-party consultant to evaluate the project and ensure it met specifications. It was not immediately known whether the third-party consultant had already completed the assessment before the transition to the new administration. — (FREEMAN)