CCSC upgrades underway sans oval rehab

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is advancing Cebu City’s push for green initiatives and facility upgrades at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), while keeping preparations at the South Road Properties (SRP) on track for the 7th Asian Beach Games in 2028.

Built in 1994 to host the Palarong Pambansa, the CCSC has since become the city’s premier venue for athletics, football, and major community events.

The facility has also served as the traditional venue of the Sinulog Festival and has hosted various national and international sporting events.

Three decades after its inauguration, Cebu City once again hosted the Palaro in 2024, prompting renovation works at the sports complex.

However, the sudden change in city leadership—from then mayor Mike Rama to Raymond Garcia following Rama’s suspension and eventual dismissal—disrupted oversight of the project.

The result was a rubberized oval later found to be substandard in both measurement and construction, with the track surface deteriorating almost immediately.

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are now left with a damaged track, sparking public criticism.

Archival acknowledged the issue, but a source said the rehabilitation of the oval is not included in the current upgrades due to budget constraints.

City and sports officials, however, are pushing for the project’s inclusion in next year’s appropriations.

“Nakasabot ko sa panginahanglan sa atong mga atleta, staff, ug users sa sports center. Atong paningkamotan nga mahatagan sila og mas maayong pasilidad ug serbisyo,” Archival said.

For now, the city is prioritizing sustainability measures at the CCSC.

The CCSC Management Board, now headed by Dr. Alvin Roxas, has discussed expanding rainwater catchment systems at the facility to reduce reliance on the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), enforcing stricter waste segregation, and reviving discussions on the installation of solar panels.

Rainwater harvesting systems are expected to support flushing facilities and help maintain the grass at the center field.

The city is also pursuing the digitalization of ticketing and facility use to prevent abuse of free access privileges and improve operational efficiency.

Archival underscored the importance of these reforms.

“We are taking action to improve how we manage and serve at the Cebu Sports Center. Padayon ta sa pagtinabangay. I encourage everyone to support these improvements and coordinate with the city for any concerns or suggestions,” he added.

While reforms at the CCSC are ongoing, Archival is also moving forward with Cebu City’s preparations for the Asian Beach Games.

In a separate meeting, Archival met with representatives of the Philippine Sports Commission, Liga ng mga Barangay President Franklyn Ong, and SRP Board members to discuss venue development and sports tourism opportunities.

The Asian Beach Games, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, are expected to bring thousands of athletes competing in around 24 sports.

The SRP is being positioned as a key venue for competitions, leveraging Cebu City’s coastal assets to meet international standards.

Archival said hosting the Games would not only be a sporting milestone for Cebu but also an economic opportunity for the city.

“Taking action and taking care — para sa mas progresibong Sugbo,” he said, noting that the event is expected to boost tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen Cebu’s reputation as a global sports destination. (CEBU NEWS)