Provincial government to construct P25M dorm

CEBU, Philippines — A two-story dormitory building will soon rise at a provincial-owned lot in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.

The area is just a few meters at the back of the Capitol Compound. The 12-door edifice will serve as an affordable place where local government officials from far-flung towns or cities can stay whenever they are in Cebu City on official business.

The Cebu provincial government allocated P25 million for the project, as per the request of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC). The project has been awarded to Yes Construction.

ABC President Celestino Martinez III said that the project will take about five months to finish. However, the start of the project may be delayed due to four big trees that need to be cut.

The contractors are already securing the cutting permit.

Martinez said that the trouble now is that their heavy equipment failed whenever they try to get into the area, allegedly due to supernatural causes.

They were advised to offer a chicken before taking over the area.

Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III, in a speech, invited barangay officials who attended the ceremony to stay at the dormitory, once the facility is completed.

“I-charge lang sa inyong board members,” the governor said in jest.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale expressed that the project is another effort to help the citizens by supporting the public servants.

“Alang gyud sa kinagamyan nga nagkinahanglan sa serbisyo (intended for our constituents who have less but needs more of our services),” she said.

During the groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday, Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cebu President Earl Tidy Oyas said that the dormitory will surely benefit barangay captains and councilors who have no place to stay here in the city.

Provincial Board Members Christopher Baricuatro, Yolanda Daan and Miguel Magpale also attended the activity. Some ABC presidents were also there in time for the capsule-laying.

The ABC presidents included Marieta Bucao of Talisay, Jovenal Chiong of the City of Naga, Joie Derama of Boljoon, and Wesley Alimorin of Consolacion. Martinez said that the Capitol is yet to discuss the rates if someone stays at the dormitory.  —/GAN (FREEMAN)