CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Every day, young skateboarders in Cagayan de Oro weave through cracked sidewalks, busy streets, and public spaces—not because they want to, but because they have nowhere else to practice.

For many residents, the sight often reinforces the stereotype that skaters are "badlungon" (delinquents). 

But local skate advocates say the real problem is the city's lack of a dedicated public skate park. As street-level traffic friction escalates across urban zones, CDO skaters renew call for safe public skate park infrastructure to protect alternative athletes from danerous roadways. In a statement sent to this paper, Goldtown Production, organizer of Go Skateboarding Day 2026 held on June 21, stated that many skaters are unfairly judged for using roads and sidewalks when they have no safe venue for their sport.

"Ma-stereotype ang mga skater athletes sa majority of pedestrians ug drivers sa CDO as delinquents... which comes from a struggle of wala man silay madulaan. Dugay na kaayo na nga issue ug kabalo naman unsay solution—provide a proper venue," the group said.

The organizers pointed out that makeshift basketball courts are commonly accepted in neighborhoods, while skateboarders are often criticized simply for practicing in public spaces.

A safer city for everyone

Advocates believe a community skate park would benefit not only skateboarders but also pedestrians, motorists, and nearby businesses.

With a designated venue, skaters would no longer need to practice along roads or sidewalks, reducing conflicts with traffic while giving young athletes a safer environment to train.

"If naa silay tarong na spot para sa ilang chosen sport, dili na sila makita sa dalan-dalan magdula bisan asa," the group said.

Young athletes travel long distances to practice

Without a local skate park, many Cagayan de Oro skaters travel to other cities just to use proper facilities.

According to organizers, some even hitch rides on cargo trucks or take multiple public vehicles simply to practice or join competitions.

They said many young skaters compete not only to win but because competitions are often the only chance they have to access a proper skate park.

The group questioned why local athletes must spend their own money and take unnecessary risks just to train for a sport they love.

More than recreation

Advocates said skateboarding offers young people more than physical activity.

It provides a healthy outlet, builds discipline, strengthens friendships, and gives teenagers a positive space to spend their time.

They added that a public skate park would keep skaters away from busy roads while creating a shared community space that benefits both athletes and the public.

Recognizing skateboarding as a legitimate sport

For local skaters, a public skate park is not simply another recreational facility—it is recognition that skateboarding deserves the same support given to other sports such as basketball, volleyball, football, and pickleball.

Organizers said an official facility would help change public perception and encourage more young people to pursue the sport safely.

"Makabalo sila nga recognized sila sa local government as legit athletes rather than feeling like they are frowned upon," the group said.

As skateboarding continues to grow across many barangays, advocates are urging the city government to invest in infrastructure that meets the changing needs of Cagayan de Oro's youth.

They say a community skate park is not a luxury but a practical public investment—one that promotes safety, supports young athletes, and creates a more inclusive city for everyone.

Earlier, the Philippine Sports Commission announced the inclusion of skateboarding in the 2026 Batang Pinoy national games in Bacolod scheduled from Dec. 12 to 18.

The grassroots competition is open to athletes aged 8 to 15 and forms part of the government’s effort to align youth sports development with the Department of Education’s Palarong Pambansa program.