Grandstand 90% ready for Noynoy oath taking

MANILA, Philippines - The repairs on the Quirino Grandstand would only be 90 percent complete when president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and vice president-elect Jejomar Binay take their oaths on June 30, an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

The DPWH closed the 3,800-meter structure last month to pave the way for the major rehabilitation of the historic venue.

The agency promised to open it on June 30, in time for the oath-taking and inauguration ceremony.

However, DPWH-National Capital Region director Edliberto Tayao yesterday said that after the inauguration ceremony and the stage decorations have been removed, the grandstand would have to be closed for the resumption of the repairs.

However, he assured the incoming president and vice president that the Quirino Grandstand would be structurally sound on Wednesday.

“The grandstand is ready and it is safe for the inauguration. We have already cleaned up the grandstand. As of now, we are already 70 percent complete,” Tayao said.

He said they have even finished the construction of the 30-meter extension of the canopy to protect the guests from the heat of the midday sun. They have also put up media platforms.

After June 30, he said they would finish the remaining work such as putting a second coat of paint on the structure, installing metal carbon fiber on both sides of the grandstand, and waterproofing activities.

Tayao attributed the delays in the project’s completion to the shortage of funds. They were promised a P300-million retrofitting budget, but so far they have only received P220 million.

The first phase of the repairs also did not include the painting job. But they had to put a fresh coat to make the venue presentable for the historic event on June 30.

He said the DPWH and the contractor, F.F. Cruz, have been working at the site round-the-clock to finish most of the repairs.

“Actually our deadline is still one or two months away,” Tayao said.

As for the Quezon Memorial Circle where Aquino would hold his victory party, Tayao said they would begin putting up the tents, chairs and bleachers tomorrow. The Quezon City government is in charge of constructing the stage.