Capitol to make CICC world-class

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Government of Cebu is now looking at a possible partnerships with other government agencies to address the loss of revenue of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

Capitol may partner with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the CICC into a ‘world-class facility.’

Atty. Dara Acusar, Capitol spokesperson for legal and media affairs, said that upgrading is needed for the CICC to be able to attract more events and conferences.

Acusar said Acting Governor Agnes Magpale also coordinated with the national government for possible hosting of conferences in  the CICC including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2015.

Last week, Magpale ordered the Provincial Engineering Office to check the CICC after it was reported that it leaks during heavy downpour damaging  the interior of the facility.

Also, Acusar presented the financial report of the CICC showing that income from the events held in the facility for the past years was not enough to cover the utility bills, which were shouldered by Capitol.

The revised comparative statement from the treasurer’s office showed that the losses of CICC from 2008 to 2012 have reached P48.1 million.

In 2011, CICC earned P13.7 million but its total expenses for the whole year totaled P21.7 million.

The P12.83 million was settled using CICC’s trust fund while the remaining P8.87 million was taken from Capitol’s general fund.

The following year, CICC earned P14.07 million but its expenses reached P22.04 million.

Capitol paid P10.18 million from its general funds and the rest was paid from the CICC funds.

Acusar also revealed that Capitol has a contract with a private company that supplies water for CICC at P60 per cubic meter, twice the price of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District’s P28 per cubic meter.

Acusar also said most of the events held at the CICC were done for free.

Acusar said the proposed partnership with DPWH is still being drafted.

“Hopefully, we can turn this around. When we are able to enter these projects with DPWH, we can really make it a world-class convention,” Acusar said.

CICC is currently managed by the Philippine Exhibitors Trade Corporation (PETCO), which also promotes and markets the property.  Acusar said they have not seen very good results from the firm.

As of 2012, the province has reportedly paid PETCO P3 million in management fees.

Acusar said that it would be the Provincial Board that would decide if the services of PETCO will be retained although its present contract with Capitol has no PB approval. —/MBG (FREEMAN)