Cebu City bids for 2024 Palarong Pambansa 30 years after it first hosted the games

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama (middle) raises his clenched fist along with Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) officials and PSC commissioner Edward Hayco (third from left) to signify Cebu City’s readiness to host the 2024 Palarong Pambansa. | By Glendale Rosal

CEBU CITY, Philippines– Cebu City is bidding to host next year’s Palarong Pambansa, 30 years since it first hosted the country’s biggest amateur sports event.

And the nerve center for most of its activities will once again be the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) which was built when the city hosted the games in 1994.

This was officially announced by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama during a presser on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Cebu City Hall’s social hall.

It’s best remembered that Palarong Pambansa secretariat Joel Erestain considered Cebu City as a capable LGU to host the multi-sports meet following its successful hosting of last year’s “Palarong Pambansa” bubble tournaments in football and boxing at the CCSC.

Now that the city has formally announced its bid, the CCSC will undergo extensive rehabilitation and renovation works.

The CCSC was built in 1994 for the Palarong Pambansa during the term of then-mayor Tomas Osmeña.

The last time CCSC underwent major renovation was in 2011 during Rama’s term when the rubberized track oval was completely replaced.

For Rama, and the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) officials, the 2024 hosting is very timely as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of its first hosting.

“We have gone far in organizing, we are the best. People around, we have all of you, the private sector, they will be around to help us,” said Rama.

Rama was joined in the presser by CCSC chairman John Pages, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Edward Hayco, Cebu City councilor Dondon Hontiveros and other CCSC officials.

According to Pages, they already submitted a letter to the Department of Education (DepEd).

The country’s best school-based athletes are expected to converge in Cebu City next year if the city succeeds in its bid to host the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.  (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

Renovation and rehabilitation

CCSC will undergo two phases of rehab and renovation mainly focusing on the track oval and the swimming pool. Renovation works are targeted to be completed this year.

“Phase one will include the total rehabilitation of the track oval. This is a priority sports project of this administration and of the Cebu City Sports Commission. Also to be fixed is the swimming pool. A new 25-meter pool will be constructed to replace the 15-meter pool. Phase two will include the improvements to the various facilities of the Sports Center (the rooms, bathrooms, and restrooms, etc). We are targeting to complete the CCSC improvements this 2023,” said Pages.

This year’s Palarong Pambansa will be held in Marikina City in Metro Manila this July.

Rama is also looking beyond the CCSC and pointed out the South Road Properties where “world-standard” sports facilities such as the 16,000-seater SM Seaside Arena across SM Seaside is being constructed.

“I was and will always be a sportsman. We must not just look at Abellana, we talked to Hans Sy, we must build the arena fast. Let it be an activity sports venue in SRP. Sayang kaayo. Ang football, we cannot just have it all in Abellana, there are available places in SRP. While wala pa gitukuran, do not wait for me, don’t wait for me, just tap me, I will exert all efforts,” said Rama.   /rcg

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