Garcia: No more delays in CCMC construction

CEBU, Philippines — While expressing willingness to cooperate with the Cebu City Council, acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia also insists that he could no longer afford more delays in the construction of Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

In a press conference Monday, July 1, 2024, Garcia said he is open to complying with the request of the city council to submit a breakdown of the funds being utilized and intended for the CCMC.

The council recently approved a resolution asking Garcia to defer the rebidding of the P700 million construction works to complete the CCMC, pending the review of the funding transparency.

“That’s very easy to find and we can come up with a report right away regarding that matter. So within the week we can already present that,” said Garcia.

“Pero ang akoa lang, if we delay more, pipila ka adlaw, ma delay gyud ang paghuman sa CCMC, kay as I have told you, dako pa kaayog kuwang,” he added.

Right after the media briefing, Garcia proceeded to inspect the CCMC, saying that the 4th floor up to the 10th floor, remained not operational and some didn’t even have structure.

Generally, Garcia said that the CCMC still has a lot of pending work stressing the need for funding from the city government to finish it immediately.

“Kay if we rely on donations nga ilang na kolekta sa ilang donations, perti pang gamaya, di gyud ta mahuman, diba?” said Garcia.

He added that waiting for more donations may take time that could also last up to a year.

“We cannot wait anymore. Because we are a premier city, we need a premier hospital,” said Garcia.

Currently, Garcia said the rebidding hasn’t started yet. He, however, released an order to check the exact amount, as well as the creation of the program of works and estimates, which is a prerequisite before the actual bidding.

Garcia is targeting to start the bidding process within the month. As for the questions of the council on the breakdown of the donations accumulated for CCMC construction through the Cebu Medical Society (CMC), Garcia said there is a need for coordination since the funds gathered will be used for the city. — (FREEMAN)