Construction of Mandaue track oval to start in 2026

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo “Jovito” Ouano said that the construction of the planned track oval in Barangay Paknaan is expected to begin in the third quarter of next year.

He made this statement following his visit to the 3.6-hectare site of the proposed sports facility yesterday, June 10, 2025, who initially believed that the area was ready for construction.

However, during the inspection, it became apparent that the site is not yet fully prepared.

“Ato gyud ni siyang gitan-aw…Atong gi inspect, abi man namo nga after the site development makatukod na gyud dayon ta sa sports oval,” said Ouano, in an interview with reporters.

While about 90 percent of the embankment work has already been completed, engineers accompanying Ouano said that critical groundwork—including dewatering and the installation of sheet piles—still needs to be done.

Ouano said the remaining phases are estimated to cost over P300 million, for which the City still needs to secure funding.

Despite this, Ouano said he remained optimistic that construction can commence by the third quarter of 2026.

To help fund the actual construction of the sports oval, Ouano said he sought the support of his sister, Mandaue Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, who has committed P150 million.

“Naa na tay 150 million courtesy of Congresswoman Lolypop para ra gyud sa oval,” said Ouano.

Still, Ouano emphasized that even though the embankment work is almost complete, the site cannot yet support the construction of the sports oval.

He explained that the installation of sheet piles and the implementation of dewatering are crucial to stabilize the reclaimed land and prevent water intrusion once the oval is built.

“That would cost us another almost P300 million,” he noted.

To address the funding gap, Ouano said he is exploring various ways to raise the necessary funds. He said that  the City won’t shoulder the entire cost alone. He is also looking to seek help from the national government.

“Mangayo ta sa atong mga higala didto para dili kaayo dako og cost sa city. Dili ma-hold ang atong mga other social services," he added.

Ouano shared that the embankment phase for the site development already cost P220 million.

He also said the engineering and construction team informed him that the site development would likely be completed by August this year.

“Hopefully we can get the funding or maka allocate ta this year,” he said.

According to Ouano, once the sheet pile installation begins, it will take about six months to complete, followed by another six months for dewatering before actual construction of the oval can begin.

Ouano clarified that the construction will only proceed after these two phases, which cannot be done simultaneously.

He explained that sheet piles are necessary to block water intrusion, and drainpipes for dewatering will help stabilize the soil. These two processes are critical since the land was reclaimed and has a watery base.

However, the mayor expressed his disappointment upon learning that additional work was still required.

“Kung atong i backtrack ang history ang giingon baya sa previous administrator nga mao ni siya ingon ani kadako ang amount para to stabilize ang base diri, I thought mao na to. Wa man siya nag ingon nga mag sheet pile pa diay, naa pay additional," Ouano said.

Nevertheless, he said he will focus on moving forward and finding ways to continue the project without delay.

Ouano assured the public that he is committed to pushing through with the construction and will not stall the project.

Meanwhile, Engineer Leny Denque, Construction Division Head and Head of Site Development, explained that the plan was approved in 2022, and in the same year, a consultant recommended raising the land elevation.

Denque said this was due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

She added that this was also the reason for the delay in constructing the actual oval, as additional soil had to be added to prevent future sinking once structures are built.

“Para kung unsay mahitabo dili maapektuhan,” said Denque.

She also explained that the original Phase 1 included facilities such as courts, offices, and buildings.

However, during the consultant’s inspection, it was found that the elevation was insufficient. As a result, the plan had to be revised because additional fill material—up to 2.45 meters thick—was needed.

“So mao to ang scope of work like office or unsa pa to naa didto wala na to siya nadayon,” she said.

As a result, only the embankment portion was awarded to the contractor.

According to Denque, the P220 million site development includes embankment, construction of riprap, perimeter fencing, and a solid retaining wall, which is now 90.92 percent complete.

Denque added that this was what the City Engineering Office considered necessary to ensure the safety of the sports oval and to prevent it from becoming waterlogged in the future, which could otherwise compromise the structures. JG CEBU NEWS