Photo by Abram P. Barrameda

UNFAVORABLE WEATHER conditions last September and October have delayed the construction of the Moro Lorenzo field by 51 days.

Sporadic and heavy rainfall transformed the ground into thick globs of mud, causing the bulldozers of construction firm Netforce International Incorporated to sink or get stuck in the mud. Consequently, the project is stalled at 12.35% progress, instead of the projected 60% progress by this month.

The University Athletics Office (UAO) holds coordination meetings every Wednesday with members of the school administration, the Lorenzo family and the contractors to closely monitor the progress. “Progress will pick up anytime soon,” says Emmanuel Fernandez, the UAO’s Assistant Director for Operations.

As of press time, the most recent meeting was last November 9, where the committee resolved to bring in an additional bulldozer and extend the working hours of the equipment to make up for lost time.

The slow developments are also due to the preparation of the soil for the field’s foundation, an essential element for the development of the world-class football field and oval track. “We have to make sure that there are absolutely no foreign contaminants that may affect the grass we will plant,” explained Fernandez.

Relocating the old road to the JSEC and CTC from Gate 3 and Gate 2.5 also had to be completed first, in order to make headway for the field and oval track. Though it was originally slated to be finished during the semester break, the new asphalt road was finally completed last November 13.

A retaining wall composed of steel fabrication and hollow blocks will be erected around the perimeter of the track oval once the road realignment process has been completed.

The drainage system and water lines for the supply and irrigation of the all-weather field must be finished within the month in order for the grass to be planted in December. During the grow-in period, the presence of rain will be crucial for the field to be ready in time for its debut during the UAAP Season 74 Football Finals.