CITY COUNCIL PROBES DELAYS, ISSUES IN BAGUIO SPORTS FACILITY PROJECTS

The Baguio City Council on May 11 scrutinized delays and operational issues hounding several city sports infrastructure projects, including the swimming pool, Youth Convergence Center, outdoor sports facility, and sports oval.

During the council’s regular session, John Rhey Mananeng raised concerns over the stalled construction of the city swimming pool, which has reportedly been suspended since 2025 despite being over 70 percent complete.

Johnny Degay, head of the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), said construction was halted after a typhoon damaged a road adjacent to the site. He said the City Engineering Office proposed a P10-million retaining wall project to be funded under the CDRRMC.

Degay said the swimming pool project, now at 70.30 percent completion, cannot proceed safely without resolving the unstable road condition, particularly as finishing works approach.

Mananeng said the prolonged delay has become a growing concern, especially for swimmers who continue to await the facility’s completion.

Degay added that the damaged road also affects the outdoor sports facility, including its wall-climbing structure. The project currently has a negative slippage of 9.72 percent and an accomplishment rate of 78.36 percent.

He explained that the road was intended to serve as a secondary access route connecting the Youth Convergence Center and the outdoor sports facility.

Councilors also raised complaints regarding the swimming pool’s inconsistent water temperature.

The City Administrator’s Office said pool temperatures are publicly displayed and that swimmers, particularly those enrolled in learn-to-swim programs, are allowed to test the water before proceeding.

However, Councilor Joel Alangsab noted that competitive athletes do not have the option to skip training due to water conditions.

Honorio Yamoyam said short-term repairs are being considered to prevent disruptions, while long-term options such as gas, solar heating, and electric heat pumps are under study. He said the heat pump system remains the most viable option due to environmental considerations.

Yamoyam said inspections have been completed and proposals are expected within the week, with full repairs possibly targeted by 2027, subject to funding support.

Yamoyam and Paul Rillorta of the City Sports Office said only three of the facility’s five heat pumps are operational.

Rillorta said P14 million has been allocated for system upgrades, although bidding has yet to begin as the project awaits a program of work from CBAO and supplier quotations. He said procurement is targeted for completion within the year.

Despite the issues, Rillorta assured the council that the swimming pool remains compliant with international standards for dimensions and athlete training requirements.

Degay added that rehabilitation of the pool’s aging piping system is also being studied.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan raised concerns over delays in the Youth Convergence Center project, which he described as a long-standing issue.

Degay said bidding has already been conducted and submitted proposals are under evaluation.

Olowan expressed hope that construction would finally move forward, warning that unfinished infrastructure projects often become political flashpoints during election periods.

On the sports oval, Degay reported that asphalt paving was completed last week, bringing the project to about 36 percent completion. Installation of the tartan track surface is expected next.

The council referred the matter to the Committee on Youth Welfare and Sports Development for further study.