CEBU CITY — Many now question the compliance of the 30-year-old rubberized oval track at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) with international standards, specifically whether it adheres to the 400-meter measurement.

The facility is currently being used for the ongoing Palarong Pambansa, particularly for athletics events.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia refuted claims suggesting that the track oval might be substandard, dismissing such reports as "premature" in an interview at Cebu City Hall on Friday, July 12.

He expressed surprise, saying that the oval track had successfully hosted various sports activities, including the Palarong Pambansa 1994, without previous concerns about its dimensions.

To address the issue, Garcia plans to meet with SBD Builders, the contractor responsible for rehabilitating the CCSC, to discuss and rectify any potential discrepancies. He emphasized that the technical committee will make decisions regarding adjustments or approvals.

Since Thursday, several reports said that the national technical committee of the Palarong Pambansa disclosed the existing track oval's measurement as 398 meters, which is two meters shorter than the standard 400 meters.

The committee announced it would withhold recognition of results from recent athletic events until the contractor verifies the precise measurements.

The CCSC had been closed since May 2023 for rehabilitation, but the contract with SBD Builders was awarded in October the same year, and the project commenced after receiving the notice to proceed in January 2024.

The Manila Times reported earlier that the facility officially reopened in June, a few weeks before the start of the Palarong Pambansa.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Edward Hayco of the Philippine Sports Commission said in an interview with a local news outlet that they would conduct a thorough investigation into reports concerning the substandard oval.

He added that they are treating the issue seriously and will involve a third party to verify the two-meter discrepancy.

The commissioner emphasized that the PSC has the authority to take necessary actions regarding the matter, given the chairman's role as vice-chair of the Palarong Pambansa's technical committee.

Hayco emphasized the critical importance of verifying the findings, noting that a two-meter difference could determine whether an athlete wins gold or silver based on its potential impact on athletic performance.