THE Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and A Brown Company signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) on January 23 to transform the 14-hectare Capitol Compound into a mixed-use development featuring commercial and residential buildings.

Governor Peter Unabia assured that the historic 75-year-old Capitol building will remain untouched, emphasizing its preservation as a key element of the project.

The partnership, governed by Ordinance No. 1594-2023, outlines clear guidelines for the Private-Public Partnership (PPP). A Brown Company will invest P2.5 billion to develop the surrounding areas of the Capitol Compound, including office spaces, commercial establishments, residential condominiums, and parks.

“It’s a mix-used doon yong office space, commercial, then condominium, residential. Doon mag ra-range ang ating income,” said A Brown President Robertino Pizarro.

Under the agreement, the provincial government will receive 12% of the revenue from the project.

JOINT VENTURE. The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and A Brown Company formally signed a Joint Venture Agreement on January 23 to develop the 14-hectare capitol compound into residential and commercial buildings under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement. The Provincial Government will receive 12% of the project’s revenue. Pictured are (from left): John Venice Ladaga, Governor Peter Unabia, A Brown President Robertino Pizarro, and legal counsel Atty. Antonio Soriano. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

“Maka raise ta ug revenue. The 12 percent share, any income of A Brown, 12 percent of that will go to the provincial government,” Unabia said.

Pizarro emphasized that the development will maximize open spaces while preserving the area’s natural beauty.

“There are lots of beautiful trees. We will enhance it by putting a park, and ang park na yan there will be small pockets of commercial there,” said Pizarro.

The project will be implemented in two phases, according to Board Member Gerardo Sabal.

The first phase includes redeveloping the area near the old Regional Trial Court and Provincial Jail into an office-commercial hub, where the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will be given space.

The second phase will feature mixed-use commercial and residential buildings, including condominium units in the Provincial Jail and Motor Pool areas.

Construction of the first phase is expected to begin late this year or early 2026.

Unabia highlighted the project’s potential to generate employment for Misamisnons, with plans for restaurants, dormitories, and other establishments to provide job opportunities.

To address traffic concerns, the development will follow a walkable design.

“Walkable ang area,” said Unabia.

The agreement spans an initial 35 years, renewable for another 25 years, subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at that time.

“This is our first PPP project, and we are committed to delivering the best,” Pizarro said.