City council probes issues in sports facility projects

The Baguio City Council, during the regular session on May 11, 2026, probed issues surrounding the city’s sports facilities including the swimming pool, the Youth Convergence Center, the outdoor sports facility, and the sports oval.
Initiating the discussion, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey Mananeng expressed concern over the suspended construction of the swimming pool project which has reportedly remained on hold since 2025. The project’s completion rate is estimated at 70%.
According to Arch. Johnny Degay, Head of the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), work at the site was suspended due to a typhoon that damaged a portion of a road adjacent to the project. The City Engineering Office later proposed a P10 million retaining wall project, to be funded under the CDRRMC.
Standing at 70.30% completion, the swimming pool project, according to Degay, could be affected by the unstable road condition, particularly during the finishing works phase. He said proceeding without the retaining wall may pose safety and structural risks and that the continuation of construction depends on resolving the road issue first.
Mananeng said the unfinished construction is becoming a growing concern, noting that many swimmers rely on the facility which, until now, remains unfinished.
Furthermore, Degay said the road issue may indirectly affect the ongoing construction of the outdoor sports facility including a wall-climbing structure. The said project has a negative slippage of 9.72% and an actual accomplishment rate of 78.36%.
Degay stated that the damaged road was intended to serve as a secondary access route linking the Youth Convergence Center project area and the outdoor sports facility. He added that while the sports facility project may still proceed, its connectivity and access are affected.
Other City Council members also raised concerns over complaints that the swimming pool water is too cold or has inconsistent temperature.
The City Administrator’s Office (CADMO) explained that the pool temperature is displayed publicly and that coaches and parents supervise the swimmers. According to CADMO Representative Honorio Yamoyam, in the learn-to-swim program, children are allowed to test the water first and decide whether to proceed.
However, Councilor Joel Alangsab challenged this system, noting that competitive athletes do not have the option to opt out and must train regardless of water temperature.
With regard to the system’s performance, Yamoyam clarified that short-term repairs are being considered to avoid disruption of training. He added that long-term solutions such as gas, electric heat pump, and solar options are also being explored, with the heat pump identified as the most suitable due to environmental concerns.
Yamoyam said that inspections have already been conducted and proposals are expected within the week, with full repair potentially targeted by 2027, depending on support and funding.
Yamoyam and Paul Rillorta of the City Sports Office said that only three of the five heat pumps are currently operational. Rillorta added that P14 million has already been allocated for system improvements, although bidding has yet to commence as the project is still awaiting a program of work from the CBAO and supplier quotations. The procurement process is targeted for completion within the year, with full system functionality expected by 2027.
Despite the need for upgrades, Rillorta assured the City Council that the city’s swimming pool remains compliant with international standards, particularly in terms of dimensions and suitability for athlete preparation.
Degay said that part of an ongoing study includes rehabilitation of the swimming pool’s piping system, acknowledging that the aging pipes are among the main infrastructure concerns.
Another concern raised was the Youth Convergence Center. According to Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, the project has become a long-standing issue due to delays in its completion.
Degay reported that the project had already undergone bidding and that the submitted bids were currently under evaluation.
Olowan expressed hope that the project would finally move forward after the bidding process and warned that unfinished infrastructure projects often become political issues during election periods.
Asked to give updates on the status of the sports oval, Degay said that asphalt paving works had already been conducted the previous week and that the project had reached approximately 36% completion. After the asphalting phase, the installation of the tartan track surface would follow.
The Baguio City Council referred the matter to the Committee on Youth Welfare and Sports Development for further study. **Jordan G. Habbiling