PALARONG Pambansa officials have conducted an investigation into reports that the Cebu City Sports Center track oval did not meet measurement standards.
Officials from the lead agency Department of Education along with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Cebu City local government unit have already tackled the matter on Friday, according to PSC commissioner Edward Hayco in a message relayed to agency chairman Richard Bachmann.
The Freeman's Caecent Magsumbol reported on Friday that no records in the track event will be recognized at this year’s Palarong Pambansa after it was determined that the oval is two meters short of the 400-meter standard - that is, unless the local contractor responsible for its renovation can prove otherwise.
Cebu complex undergoes renovation
The Cebu City Sports Center track oval underwent renovations for its hosting of the Palaro, an annual multisport event among elementary and high school students. However, photos of cracks and an uneven track surface were posted online just days before the opening.
Despite the situation, the Palaro athletics competition has not been disrupted, but no records have been tallied except in the field events.
Initial findings from the investigation showed that Palaro technical consultant Jeanette Obiena had already provided the standard measurements six months ago, but the specifications were not followed.
Obiena, in a separate interview by The Freeman, said they are still waiting for the technical specifications from the contractor.
“Hindi talaga siya accurate, so we have to wait for the transit measurement. They said they would give it until I got here, up to now, it still hasn't been given,” Obiena told The Freeman.
An unnamed official of the Cebu City Sports Center, however, told the Cebu Daily News the track oval is up to standard, based on a 2012 renovation overseen by foreign contractors.
“Though some lane markings appear slightly off, we believe the oval retains its exact 400-meter length. There may have been inaccuracies in measurement methods used recently, but this remains unverified,” the official told the Cebu Daily News.
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