THE City Council of Cagayan de Oro has granted Mayor Rolando Uy the authorization to initiate negotiations for a loan amounting to P2.7 billion with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for the construction of a new City Hall building complex.
The decisive approval was obtained with 11 council members casting their votes in favor, while four voted against, and one council member chose to abstain.
As outlined in Ordinance No. 2023-326, the lion's share of the loan, totaling P1.530 billion, will be earmarked for the acquisition of a property in Barangay Carmen, owned by Susan Cid-Española, Joseph M. Cid, and Christine Cid-Tan. The property, measuring 299,043 square meters, will serve as the designated site for the new City Hall building complex.
A further P250 million will be allocated for land development, including the nearby Eco-Park, also located in Barangay Carmen. The remaining P920 million is slated for the construction of the City Hall building complex.
Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, a fervent proponent of the City Hall's relocation, disclosed that Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has pledged a separate allocation of between P500 million to P1 billion for the construction of the City Council legislative building at the same location.
However, Councilor Jose Pepe Abbu Jr., one of the council members who opposed the ordinance, expressed his apprehension that any plans to relocate the "seat of power" of the local government should undergo a public hearing and secure a resolution supported by two-thirds of the local council, as mandated by the Local Government Code.
During a recent episode of the program 'Ang Inyong Konseho Karon,' Councilor James Judith II clarified that the transfer of the City Hall's seat of power is not imminent. Instead, the new building complex will house various City Hall offices, as well as regional offices of national government agencies. The objective is to establish a city government center serving as a convenient one-stop shop for the public.
Councilor Imee Moreno abstained from voting on the ordinance and explained her support for the Klarex administration's plan to construct a City Hall complex. However, she noted certain issues she hopes will be addressed in the future, without further elaboration.
Regarding the inclusion of the proposed loan contract in the ordinance's attachments, Councilor Cabanlas clarified that the attachments encompassed the "salient points" of the proposed loan contract. The specific terms of the contract will be the subject of negotiations between the city and the Land Bank.
The approval of this ordinance signifies a significant stride forward in the endeavor to construct a new City Hall building complex in Councilville. The project's ultimate goal is to provide enhanced facilities and services for the local government and the community it dutifully serves. (With a report from CIO)
