Mandaue set to unveil clock tower on fiesta day

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Government is set to officially unveil its new clock tower on Fiesta Day, May 8, 2025. This follows the earlier display of a prototype version of the structure.

“Maoy gi target nato May 8, mag unveiling ta sa project,” City Administrator Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan told reporters in an interview on May 5, 2025.

The previous clock tower, which had shown signs of deterioration, was later clarified to be merely a mock-up. City officials confirmed it would be replaced with the final and actual structure.

Calipayan emphasized that the clock tower is not categorized as an infrastructure project but as a supply and delivery arrangement that includes the installation of the artwork.

In addition to the clock tower, the entire Heritage Park—undergoing a comprehensive beautification project including new lighting and lampposts—will also be opened to the public on May 8.

Since installation work began, Calipayan noted that the city government has yet to make any payments for the clock tower or the improvements within the heritage park.

“Gi deliver ra na nila karon, unya wala pa man sila ma kompleto, di pa gyud na sila mabayran,” said Calipayan.

He explained that because it falls under a supply and delivery contract, full delivery and installation must be completed before any payments are processed.

“If naay gibutang nga with installation then you have to complete the installation, you have to include the installation before mapasugod sila og process sa ilahang payment,” Calipayan added.

Addressing circulating rumors, Calipayan dismissed claims that the clock tower project cost ?44 million.

“Misinformation gyud because we can never find that amount nga kanang P44 million,” he said.

He clarified that the figure may have originated from a 2024 presentation by the City Planning and Development Office, which proposed ?44 million for the development of various parks, plazas, and open spaces across Mandaue City.

“Ambot asa na nila gikuha kay wala gyud na siya,” said Calipayan.

He reiterated that the ?44 million represented a proposed overall budget, not the cost of the clock tower or Heritage Plaza specifically. Those projects have separate and lower cost estimates.

“As for this specific project, lahi pod na siya kay himuan pa na og quotation, program of work niya mu vary baya na sa actual budget nga gi estimate ug pila ang atoang gi actual nga project which could be lower,” he explained.

Part of the ?44 million proposal included plans for developing Pajara Park under the second bridge, but that initiative did not proceed due to a jurisdictional dispute with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Other components, such as the beautification of areas beneath city flyovers, were also shelved. Calipayan said the city government decided instead to focus on areas with higher foot traffic, such as the grounds around City Hall.

“Ang ganahan gyud suyoran sa mga tao ang kani gyung atoang plaza kay siya man ang open park,” said Calipayan.

The current beautification budget for the Heritage Plaza and clock tower stands at approximately ?35 million. This includes two main components: around ?17 million for infrastructure and landscaping work at Heritage Plaza, and approximately ?18 million for lighting, electrical components, illuminated tiles, and panels.

The new clock tower is designed to complement the historic Mandaue Presidencia and is expected to become a key landmark, enhancing the plaza’s appeal as a tourist destination. — (FREEMAN)