ILOILO City — The Iloilo provincial government has temporarily shut down the rubberized track oval of the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district to fast-track a ₱1.8-million rehabilitation project following public criticism over the deteriorating condition of the facility.
The closure took effect Monday, May 25, and will remain in place until further notice as repair and rehabilitation works begin on the provincial government-owned sports facility, according to the Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office (ISDMO).
According to ISDMO sports development officer Ray Cabarles, the temporary closure is necessary to give workers enough space to complete the repairs safely and efficiently.
The ISDMO also appealed for public understanding and cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of the rehabilitation works and to guarantee a safer and improved experience once the facility reopens.
The closure may last for a maximum of 10 days, after which the track oval is expected to immediately reopen to athletes and the public.
Earlier this year, the condition of the sports complex oval became a hot topic online after a concerned mother posted on Facebook photos showing damaged and patched portions of the rubberized track.
“When my son asked me if there are running facilities in Iloilo, I told him we have the Iloilo Sports Complex. It is being used for sports meets. He trains for tracks and I respect his discipline for training so I follow my son’s schedule. And tadaaa….patches of destroyed rubber in the oval,” the concerned citizen wrote.
She added that the facility should be improved to boost athletes’ morale and urged authorities to properly use funds intended for sports infrastructure.
“We can do better for athletes. My son is only here for a few days so it doesn’t matter to him. It does matter to my pride, hahaha. But I also saw athletes training on their own despite the threat of rain. They need support and confidence boost. Sana ayusin. May budget ‘yan. Always. ‘Wag lang ilihis ang budget,” she added.
Following the viral post and subsequent media attention, the ISDMO released an official statement confirming that the provincial government had already allocated more than ₱1 million for repairs, underscoring its commitment to improving the facility and ensuring its safe and proper use./PN
