Mayor revives Task Force Skatepark

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has revived the Task Force Skatepark while also bringing the Sinulog Grandstand at the South Road Properties (SRP) back into consideration as a possible temporary venue for extreme sports.

City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, who was named head of the task force, confirmed to THE FREEMAN that he and Archival, who had previously been at odds, met late last week and agreed to work together for the welfare of the city’s youth.

Archival’s niece, Councilor Nyza “Nice” Archival, will this time be part of the task force, along with representatives from SRP.

The renewed discussion is significant, given that the Sinulog venue had previously been set aside after Archival disclosed that then-Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña did not want it to be utilized as a skatepark.

With the task force reconvened, the possibility of repurposing the area for skateboarding, BMX, and other extreme sports is once again on the table.

This development followed the South Road Properties Management Office’s issuance of a “No Objection” letter in favor of City di Mare’s plan to redevelop the grandstand into pickleball courts.

The letter, endorsed to the City Council by Councilor David Tumulak, stated that while SRPMO does not oppose the project, compliance with laws, safety permits, and coordination with government offices are required.

Councilor Joel Garganera, however, moved to refer the matter back to SRPMO for the submission of detailed plans before approval.

He raised questions about whether the redevelopment would require a memorandum of agreement or joint venture. He also raised concerns about income-sharing if the courts generate revenue, their accessibility to the public, and whether the property is covered by the city’s joint venture agreement with Filinvest.

Garganera also referred the issue to the Office of the Building Official, noting that government funds were used in the grandstand’s construction, and to the Committee on Laws to determine the proper legal instruments.

Councilors Harry Eran and Nice Archival had earlier pushed for the conversion of the venue into pickleball courts, but they withdrew their resolution after learning that the property may be covered by the JVA.

Eran explained that they did not want to complicate legal ownership issues.

Alcover, on the other hand, vowed to block plans to convert the grandstand into pickleball courts unless another area is provided for skateboarders, BMX riders, and other extreme sports enthusiasts. (CEBU NEWS)