IN a significant move towards the development of Cagayan de Oro, the City Council approved two major ordinances today, April 22, 2024, that pave the way for the construction of a new City Hall Complex and Government Center.
The approval, marking a milestone for the city’s infrastructural growth, was announced during the 77th regular session of the 20th City Council.
Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-438 authorizes City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy to represent the City Government in entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with landowners Susan Cid Española and Christine Cid Tan.
“This MOA pertains to the transfer of a property with an area of approximately 229,043 square meters, located in Barangay Canitoan and Carmen,” said City Councilor James Judith, adding that with the larger portion in Barangay Carmen, to be the site of the new City Hall Complex.
Subsequently, Proposed Ordinance No. 2024-439 permits Mayor Uy to sign a Deed of Absolute Sale with the same landowners, ensuring the acquisition of the mentioned property.
The City Council’s approval of both documents was certified as urgent by Mayor Uy, underscoring the administration’s commitment to expediting the city’s development.
The proposed site is earmarked not only for the City Hall Complex but also for the development of a Government Center and an Eco-Tourism Site.
This multifaceted approach aims to centralize government offices, while promoting environmental sustainability and tourism in the region.
The City Council’s agenda, including the approved ordinances and the appendix detailing the terms and conditions of the sale, is documented on pages 140 to 158 of the council’s records.
These documents have been made available for public scrutiny, ensuring transparency in the city’s decision-making processes.
The Mayor’s letter, dated March 27, 2024, initiated the formal proceedings by expressing the need for a new City Hall and the benefits the proposed site would bring to Cagayan de Oro.
The urgency of these ordinances reflects the city government’s determination to meet the administrative demands of a growing population.
Also last year, the City Council adopted a resolution on July 17, 2023, approving the Supplemental Annual Investment Program (SAIP) No. 3 for CY 2023, amounting to P4,518,140,124. Of this, P4 billion is allocated for the Cagayan de Oro Government Center, specifically for Land Acquisition, Land Development, and Construction of the New City Hall Complex.
Additional appropriations in the approved SAIP No. 3 include: Various barangay empowerment programs – P17,853,593; City Hall Quadrangle Roofing – P11,200,000; and the creation of Ten (10) new positions for the operation of the City College of Cagayan de Oro under Ordinance No. 14564-2023 – P10,000,000.
Earlier, Mayor Uy and City Council’s majority Floor Leader Edgardo Cabanlas maintained that the strategic location of Barangay Carmen makes it an ideal choice for the new City Hall.
They said the site’s accessibility will facilitate better public service and create a centralized hub for civic activities.
Cabanlas emphasized the importance of consolidating all offices in a single location within the new City Hall Complex, transforming it into a one-stop shop with ample parking for client convenience.
Additionally, the development of an Eco-Tourism Site aligns with the city’s green initiatives and commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
As the City Government of Cagayan de Oro moves forward with this ambitious project, Mayor Uy and the City Council express their confidence that the new City Hall Complex will stand as a symbol of progress and a testament to the collaborative spirit of the city’s leadership and its citizens.
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