Capitol lays down projects for 2012

CEBU, Philippines - Following a stressful day participating in the Sinulog Grand Parade, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia launched back to work yesterday and announced what the provincial government intends to accomplish this 2012.

This week, province will hold another round of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, which will begin tomorrow until Friday. The targets for this round are the balikbayans and foreign visitors from France, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia who came to Cebu for the Sinulog.

With the Suroy-Suroy, the visitors will get to experience the Southern Heritage Trail of 22 cities and municipalities of southern Cebu for three days.

Meanwhile, Garcia said it is also imperative to set the wheels for the institutionalization of programs that she started such as the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals, the One Cebu Expo, and eGwen Program, among others.

Garcia said this is the reason why she appointed her daughter, lawyer Christina Garcia-Codilla Frasco, as consultant for the institutionalization of projects and programs.

The Manila Water Company, Inc. of Ayala Consortium has until end of January to respond to the challenge made by Cebu Bulk Water Consortium in the development of a P1.55 - billion Cebu Bulk Water Supply Project.

Meanwhile, bidders have until the end of this month to submit bids for the development of the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center and Drug Rehabilitation properties in Cebu City.

Garcia also hopes that the Ciudad Project “may finally get off the ground.” She said the commercial complex will not only benefit Cebu City in terms of taxes but will also provide alternative routs for vehicular traffic in the Banilad area.

On the other hand, the Camotes Island airstrip is also set for development. Garcia hopes to complete the bidding process by the first quarter of this year.

Also in the pipeline is the Sta. Fe airport in Bantayan Island. Garcia said province will settle the property issue within the first quarter and hope to be able to set the bidding process by the second quarter.

Also set for completion by either the first or second quarter are three provincial hospitals in Danao City, Balamban and Bogo City. The first provincial hospital in Carcar City was opened and became operational last year.

The Pilar island circumferential road is also set for completion by September this year, as reportedly promised by the contractor. (FREEMAN)