Capitol gets 4.3 hectares under Cebu Reclamation Ordinance

CEBU, Philippines —  Following the strict enforcement of the mandatory 10 percent lot acquisition under the Cebu Reclamation Ordinance, Cebu Province is set to add soon on its list of property assets 4.3 hectares of reclaimed properties.

This after at least four reclamation project proponents have presented to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia the Capitol’s mandatory 10 percent share of their actual usable reclaimed lands during a meeting at the Capitol Gallery on Thursday, July 25.

The share of the reclaimed lands had previously been identified in a joint survey with Provincial Geodetic Engineer Roy Cabunilas and his team.

In a report by Sugbo News, Capitol’s official media arm, it noted that of the four project proponents, Cebu South Harbor has already identified and set aside 25,000 square meters of its reclaimed land in Talisay City.

The report furthered that Global Business Power in Toledo City has allocated a 6,826-square-meter share for the province.

In their individual reclamation projects, Mabuhay Filcement and Solid Earth Development Corporation, both based in San Fernando town have also declared 7,192 square meters and 4,442 square meters of Capitol shares, respectively.

It added that seven more reclamation proponents are scheduled to undertake a joint survey with the Capitol to identify the Capitol’s mandatory 10 percent share of the reclamation areas.

These figures will be formalized in an endorsement to the Economic Enterprise Council (EEC), chaired by Garcia, which among other things, prescribe policies, rules, and regulations on reclamations already undertaken and yet to be undertaken by government agencies and private entities in the province.

As reported, the mandatory 10 percent share is covered under the Capitol Provincial Ordinance No. 96-14 or otherwise known as the “Cebu Reclamation Ordinance,” as amended by Provincial Ordinance No. 2024-05, which entitles the province to 10 percent of the usable, reclaimed land in all reclamation projects undertaken by the authority of the province within its jurisdiction.

Last July 10, the governor had a meeting with Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority (CPRA), where she also sits as chairperson, and explained that under Provincial Ordinance No. 2024-05, cash payments, as well as land swap deals are no longer available to the reclamation proponents.

Garcia said that such policy ensures that the province can benefit from the development and economic opportunities arise from reclamation projects.

As of the latest Commission on Audit report, Cebu Province has assets pegged at P309.8 billion, retaining its status as the premier province in the country. (CEBU NEWS)