City sports complex track oval reopens to public
After nine months of rehabilitation that was delayed by uncooperative weat her condition, the 7,500-square meter oval track at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex (RVMSC) will reopen to the public on Monday. Mayor Lucilo Bayron, who led the reopening on Saturday, said the public can now use the new blue synthetic oval track effective November 5. Bayron said the rehabilitation of the oval track is in line with the city’s plan to transform it according to the envisioned Balayong Park. “Ang project natin dito ay gagawin na fitness park para ma-engganyo ang mga kababayan natin na lagi sila mag-exercise dito para lagi silang fit. Kasi kung fit ang mamamayan, maganda ‘yong health nila, hindi rin tayo masyadong mamomroblema,” Bayron said. The blue synthetic rubber that was used to cover the oval track surface is world-standard, Bayron said and approved by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), the organization that holds sports competition programs. Gregorio Austria, City Sports Office ( CSO) director said the oval is good for any weather and will last longer compared to the tartan that was used before. Austria said the city government also fixed the drainage system to resolve the problem of flooding during the rainy season. He also said the repair of the oval track would help the city in bidding for national games like Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa in 2020. “Unang-una health reasons, kasi kung mag-e-exercise ka libre naman, pwede nila magamit ‘yan. Medyo malaking halaga ang ginugol natin dyan from tax payers’ money kaya sana naman nasa tamang pag-gamit, paabutin natin kasi hopefully by 2020, makuha natin ang Palarong Pambansa,” Austria pointed out. The repair of the sports complex’ oval track started in February this year with a budget of P79 million. It was expected to be completed in August this year, but the changes in weather condition caused a delay, he said. Austria said rules will be implemented like the shoes that should be used in the oval track, the bringing of pets inside, and riding bicycles to maintain its quality before 2020’s Palarong Pambansa. He encouraged the public to participate in the formulation of the policies on its use and to help lobby in the City Council for its passage. Austria also said that the city government is now planning to repair the swimming pool because it has become outdated and no longer fit the standard of those being used in national competitions. He said another plan is to add a 25-meter pool beside the two that would undergo rehabilitation and construct an indoor sports building for badminton and table tennis that will be completed in 2019. “Hopefully, itong 2019 kung tayo’y magbi-bid para sa Palarong Pambansa, i-inspection nila ang facilities so we have to finish it before 2020. Sana next year ay mag-full blast na ang rehabilitation nito,” he added.