CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Poblacion’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) president has described the rental fee of P1,500 per hour being charged by the Talisay City Sports Complex as exorbitant.
SK chairman Jackmer Seguerra said the fee is giving him headaches especially that his group is running on a very tight budget.
The SK Summer League operates on a budget which is a little over P100,000, the same budget as last year’s when the rent of the complex was only P1,350.
“Maglisud na mi unsaon pag-stretch sa among budget kay sa mga referee pa lang daan, dako na ang makaon sa allocation,” Seguerra said. The summer league is an annual event that comprise sports such as basketball and volleyball, stretching from April to May.
Seguerra said their average number of hours used up per day is six, which means the SK will need at least P9,000 a day to pay the rent.
“Dapat man unta ilibre na lang na kay mga batan-on ra man pud na sa Talisay ang mogamit sa complex. And besides, wa man mi ni-income ani nga venture. Pero if they really can’t give it to us for free, I hope mahatagan lang mi nila og discount,” he said.
For his part, Councilor Rodi Cabigas, who is chairman on the sports commission, said the rental increase was a result of the amended Tax Code.
Cabigas, however, assured that during a meeting today with the sports commission, with Seguerra invited to attend, the rental fee will be discussed.
Cabigas explained that except for the city-initiated events, all the rest including the barangays and the SK organizations are not exempted from paying the rentals. - THE FREEMAN