Tom wants SRP sports hub finished this year

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government is now finalizing the program of works and estimates (Powe) of the one-stop sports hub that will soon rise at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he wants the sports hub to be completed within this year so that the public, especially the sports enthusiasts can start using it.

“I want to finish it this year. It’s not a major construction. For once, we will be engaged in sports that requires a lot of space like football and baseball,” he told reporters.

The sports hub will include eight football fields, baseball fields, volleyball court, five tennis courts, diving pool, and areas for motocross, biking, and skateboarding, among others.

Osmeña said though he is still looking for funds for the establishment of the sports hub on a 29-hectare lot near a mall.

“This is something that Cebu City needs. How can we have a good football team when we don’t have place to play football?” he said.

The 29-hectare area is near a mall at the SRP which is part of the 45.2-hectare lot “sold” by the previous administration to three giant developers, whose names are being withheld pending their comments.

“There was no sale. It’s illegal. That’s our stand. They don’t have a title. We will not give it,” Osmeña said, adding that the city government will use its property.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, Jr., deputy mayor for sports development, said the mayor had already approved the master plan of the sports hub.

He said he will no longer push for an ordinance since an executive order will suffice.

“The city engineer is now finishing the Powe para makahibaw ta pilay needed budget and makapangita ta og source of funds,” he said.

Gabuya said he is planning to request the mayor to use the possible proceeds of the three-hectare lot at SRP that will soon be out for bid.

It is seen to generate over P3 billion in revenue since SRP’s land value is now at least P110,000 per square meter.

Moreover, Gabuya said the city will set the terms and conditions on how the public and sports enthusiasts can use the facilities at the hub.

He also said he will propose a measure that would allow the city government to collect entrance fee at P10 each user for the hub’s operational expenses. — KBQ (FREEMAN)