Rama sets rules to maintain legislative building’s image

With the renovation of Cebu City’s legislative building almost finished, Vice Mayor Michael Rama said new rules would have to be put in place to maintain the building’s fresh image.

This developed as Rama said vendors at the parking lots in front of the legislative building and those who loiter at its front steps and offer notarial services may have to take their activities elsewhere.

Rama said he would talk to the vendors and the liaisons of notary publics to position in other areas so as to maintain the clean facade of the renovated building, as well as the newly landscaped areas in front of it.

City councilors have started returning to their once old offices at the legislative building but Rama said finishing touches would have to be done to the social hall, library, canteen, caucus room, meeting room and other offices. Rama and his staff have already returned to the building last month.

From its old dilapidated look, the renovated structure now has spacious hallways and sleek tiled floors. Its main entryway that used to resemble an entrance to a dungeon has been transformed into a capacious area lighted with twin chandeliers hanging from a tall ceiling that allows a view of the second floor’s hallway.

Cebu City congressmen Raul del Mar and Antonio Cuenco even donated funds to complete the renovation.

Cuenco donated P3.5 million for the floor finishes and electrical fixtures while Del Mar gave P4 million for the floor and wall finishes and structured cabling.

Phase 1 of the project, which has a funding of P55.48 million, covers earthworks/demolition works, concrete works, steel reinforcement, roof and roof framing, masonry works, doors and windows, plumbing works, electrical works, among others.

Phase 2, which has an allocation of P12 million that covers ceiling works, comfort rooms’ floor and wall tiles, partitions, doors and windows, waterproofing and steel railings, is 48.46 percent done.

Phase 3, which includes civil works, electrical and plumbing works, architectural finishes for doors and windows, floor and wall finishes, painting works, wood molding and railings which amount to P18.48 million, is already 60.02 percent done.

The City Council is expected to hold its ceremonial session on December 19 while inauguration of the renovated building is slated in February. — Joeberth M. Ocao/LPM