CAGAYAN de Oro City — Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy’s spokesperson Jann Guillmore “Janboy” Actub has defended the city government’s proposed ₱8.5-billion Government Complex, saying the project is meant to prepare Cagayan de Oro for continued growth and make government services easier to access.
Actub addressed questions about the project during the People’s Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7, two days after the City Council authorized Uy to negotiate financing for the proposed complex.
The council approved the measure 15-3, with Councilors Yevonna Yacine Emano, Imee Rose Moreno and Agapito Suan voting against it and Councilor Maximo “JonJon” Rodriguez abstaining.
The debate centered on the size of the proposed borrowing, the city’s existing projects and its long-term financial obligations.
Actub said the administration sees the complex as a long-term investment that would consolidate city government offices now scattered in different locations.
He said the project could help decongest activity in the city center and develop another growth area in Upper Carmen.
“Hulagway kini sa pagmaayong pagdumala sa atong dakbayan,” Actub said.
Actub said the proposed complex would also serve as a one-stop government center where residents, businesses and investors could access more city services in one location.
The ₱8.5-billion estimate, he said, would be implemented in phases. About ₱2.5 billion is expected to go to land acquisition, with the rest covering the development and construction of the complex.
The cost and timing of the project were among the concerns raised during the council debate.
Emano questioned why the proposed borrowing had increased substantially from an earlier proposal and whether the city should take on a large loan while other government-funded projects remain unfinished.
Moreno, who also voted against the measure, said the project should be pursued for the benefit of Cagayan de Oro residents and that public funds must be used efficiently.
On the timing, Actub said the project had been part of Uy’s plans even during his first term.
“Medyo late na gani ni. Ang pangandoy sa atong mayor, sa first term pa unta ni niya, kay paspas ang pag-boom sa atong ekonomiya,” he said.
Actub also responded to concerns about unfinished projects cited during the council discussions.
He said the city library project was initiated under the previous administration and that funds remain available for payment.
For the Mega Health Center, Actub said the City Engineer’s Office cancelled the previous contractor’s contract because of delays and that construction has since resumed.
He also said contractors are paid based on their actual accomplishments.
“Pila ilang nahuman nga phase, mao ra sad ang bayran sa dakbayan. Gapaabot ra ta sa accomplishment sa mga contractor,” Actub said.
Councilors who supported the loan, meanwhile, pointed to the potential benefits of consolidating government offices.
Councilor Alam Lim said the complex could make services more accessible, while Cabanlas defended the feasibility study presented to the council.
Councilor Roger Abaday also supported the measure while pointing to safeguards that still have to be met before the city can proceed with the borrowing, including requirements related to the city’s debt-servicing capacity.
The approval gives the mayor authority to negotiate financing; it does not by itself mean the ₱8.5 billion has already been borrowed.
Actub said the administration is aware of the public scrutiny surrounding the project and maintained that the city would protect public funds.
He also pointed to completed roads, school buildings, gymnasiums and covered courts, saying public attention should not focus only on unfinished projects.
“Maka-laum ang katawhan sa dakbayan nga na-safeguard ang interest sa katawhan, labi na ang pagpanalipod sa panudlanan sa dakbayan,” Actub said.
