The idea of a new, modern and world class sports facility is long overdue.
It is even a great wonder why it took so long for that germ of an idea to leak out of the minds of the powers that be. Right now is an opportune time as ever.
The needed land area is available. It would be no difficult to get funding, when there is a hunger for sports development going on in all fronts.
Then it might be knocking on the right door with Mayor Mike Rama at the helm, a known lover of sports. I am not surprised why there are dissenting opinions, especially from the SRP Management.
In the first place, as a property developer, is not the SRP required to reserve open spaces, to soften the impact of roads, buildings, etc.?
Secondly, how much were the people of Cebu City deprived of when the vast reclamation project was done? Is it not time that the people, who are the rightful owners of the SRP entitled to get back something of what they have lost?
These huge property developments will happen and probably fade into extinction, but nobody will ever remember the people whose only concern is the business part of the project.
If the proposed sports complex facility would push through, whoever would champion the idea to its fruition will always remain in the hearts of the Cebuano sports community, now and for eternity.
How valid the objections are, I do not know. If they have to be addressed, then a win-win situation can be sought. The immensity of the project would need the collaboration of all sports stakeholders.
If the Philippine Sports Commission has changed their vision of where Philippine sports is going, they should latch on to the idea.
The local government units should look at this as an opportunity to add to the attractiveness of the island to the rest of the country and the world.
I did not know where Sochi was, or Calgary before they hosted the Winter Olympics. Now, you always look for them when you go to Google maps.
The local school authorities should also welcome this development, as their main problem right now is the absence of an appropriate venue for their programs. The local business community should also be involved, especially those who are investing in the SRP.
Talking about inclusive growth, ASEAN integration and all the other globalization directions, a city with a sports complex in the magnitude that is initially posed would become more competitive.
Simply stated, a modern, beautiful, world class sports complex would be good for everybody, sportsman or non-sportsman alike.
What immediately comes to your mind when the name of Sydney is mentioned? Let the proposed sports complex serve as a symbol and welcoming icon for those who come to Cebu.
Postcript:
Dear Mayor Mike.
After I wrote this article, you came out with statement that if a sports center is built at the SRP, it should be limited to 3 hectares only instead of the proposed 10.
I really do not know how much land it would take to build a world class facility. My suggestion is that the planners should not be hemmed in by the size of the land. Let the architects and the planners come up with a proposal with a certain objective in mind.
Mind you Mayor, this is a great opportunity as any to leave your mark in the great history of Cebu City, the same way that the builders of past are still remembered even with the passage of time.
Your friend,
Lito Pascual
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
