P3-billion Mandaue government center set to break ground | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — A P3-billion government center in Mandaue City is set to break ground during the city’s Charter Day anniversary two months from now.

Mayor Jonas Cortes announced the impending construction of the new Mandaue City government center during the launching of “Istorya ta Bai: A Move for Good Governance and Transparency Forum” yesterday.

Cortes said it is high time to have a new government center to house all city government offices for easier access and better services for the Mandauehanons. The mayor explained that the current City Hall was last expanded during the time of his father, former mayor Demetrio “Boy” Cortes, sometime in 1975.

“Karon dili na gyud intawon paigo. We need to have a government center nga one-stop shop nga naa na nganha ang tanan. If you want to transact with Mandaue kay same area, same building. So that’s long overdue nakita na gyud nato nga nagkinahanglan na gyud, it’s about time,” said Cortes.

The proposed government center will be built on a 4-hectare property where the historical Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) is located.

Architect Marlo Ocleasa, head of the City Planning and Development Office, said the iconic CICC structure will be repaired. The building will house the executive and legislative offices. The plan includes construction of a public park and playground, parking building, commercial spaces, and a convention center.

“The main building (CICC) will be repaired and renovated. Dili i-demolish ang structural component of the building but we will improve and make use of the main building where public transactions are engaged,” Ocleasa said.

Cortes said the design would be a modern “Bantayan sa Mandaue” which will feature a 360-degree view from the top to attract tourists. The construction is expected to be completed in 35 months.

Atty. Regal Oliva, City Treasurer, said the city government will take out a P3-billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to fund the phase one of the project. Oliva said the loan will be payable in 15 years which payment will be sourced from local revenues and income from rentable commercial spaces.

The second phase of the project—public transport