Sports center renovation delayed

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The renovation of facilities inside the Gregorio A. Pelaez Sport Memorial Center could be delayed by the adverse weather in this part of the country, provincial officials said. The sports complex will host the Philippine Olympic Festival in October this year. "I hope [the renovation] would be done by Sept. 30 as we would be hosting athletes of Philippine Olympic Festival in October and I don’t want to waste that opportunity," said Oscar Singko, director of the sports center. "Persistent rain showers might hamper renovation of the oval track as well as the drainage improvement and delay scheduled events so as much as possible we are finding ways to continue working despite the weather. We are also considering putting up a tent to cover the oval track, if possible," he added. Mr. Singko declined to provide the total cost for the renovation work, but it is estimated that P20 million to P25 million will be spent to cover the oval track with an all-weather rubber. — Timothy C. Malferrari, Jr., BusinessWorld