CCSC conversion draws mixed reactions

CEBU, Philippines - A proposed measure seeking to convert the two-storey Cebu City Sports Center into a five-level mixed-use building drew mixed reactions from stakeholders during a public hearing at the City Council yesterday.

Some supported the proposal sponsored by City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, Jr. and some expressed opposition for certain reasons.

Julita Gerona, of Abellana National School Alumni Association Inc., said the association is against the proposal since the lot ownership should be settled first.

Lawyer Rafael Yap, the city’s transportation czar, also raised traffic concerns in the area.  He proposed to have additional access for the ingress and egress of the sports center.

Yap said he had investigated the ownership of the road where the two-storey structure is situated and he found out that it belongs to the national government.

“We investigated a little bit and found out that under Zoning Board the area is owned by a certain Jose Velez. The ownership of the lot is confusing and it is subject for further investigation of the city assessor,” Yap said.

Gabuya said he still have to check on the ownership of the lot where the building is situated when members of the City Council asked for the land title. He was also asked to seek for the copy of the deed of donation that will prove that a certain Hilario Abellana has donated the area to the city government.

Gabuya is pushing for the measure saying that bigger parking area is needed for the CCSC’s spectators and the faculty members and students of ANS.

“The Cebu City Sports Center is the venue of big events in the city such as the annual Sinulog, regional and national sports tournaments, religious gatherings and concerts,” Gabuya said, adding that it is for the benefit of local and foreign sports enthusiasts.

He said there is a need to address the lack of accessible parking since it can hurt local business and decrease the “quality of life of residents.”

Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Edward Hayco supported the measure since the area needs to develop its parking space owing to big events that it hosts.

“One of the choking points is the parking lot. An establishment should have a convenient parking space for the spectators,” he said.

Hayco said the conversion into a mixed-use building would decongest the area in terms of vehicles since it is surrounded with many establishments.

When asked who is collecting the parking fee, Hayco said he is not aware of it. He said all he knew is that any fees go back to the maintenance and operation of the center.

As of this time, there are only 80 parking slots to accommodate the spectators in the sports center. The ground floor of the two-storey building is used for parking, while the second floor has the badminton court and few classrooms. — (FREEMAN)