Naga sports complex proposal under review

CEBU, Philippines — Less than a month after unveiling plans for a massive mixed-use government estate in Naga City, the Cebu provincial government is already revisiting portions of the proposed development.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed that the planned sports hub may instead be transferred to Bogo City.

Baricuatro said discussions are ongoing with project partner MTD Philippines Inc. to reconfigure the master plan for the 45-hectare Balili property in Naga, following requests from local officials to prioritize economic zone development in the area.

“There could be a big possibility nga ang atong sports hub sa Bogo because actually nag tabi mi sa MTD, gusto sad nila nga naay airport,” Baricuatro said.

The governor added that plans are likewise being explored to develop an airport in Medellin, which could complement the proposed sports complex in northern Cebu.

“Then we're going to develop an airport in Medellin,” she said.

The proposed changes come after Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong reportedly expressed preference for utilizing the Balili property primarily as an economic zone that could generate employment opportunities for local residents.

“Nihangyo man gud si Mayor Val nga he would want to use the area for economic zone which could also generate jobs,” Baricuatro explained.

The governor said the provincial government intends to work closely with local government units in implementing major infrastructure projects and has no intention of forcing developments that are not supported by host communities.

“Lisod sad kaayo nga magbutang tag project nga dili agreeable ang LGU and it's not my style to impose on them,” she said.

Baricuatro stressed that an economic zone could bring substantial benefits to Naga City by attracting investments and creating jobs.

“It's good for the City of Naga to put an economic zone there,” she said.

While portions of the original master plan may be adjusted, Baricuatro made it clear that one key component of the development will remain in Naga.

“Basta ang Mega Food Hub has to be there, non-negotiable jud na,” the governor said.

According to Baricuatro, the proposed Mega Food Hub carries an allocation of P1 billion from the Department of Agriculture and is envisioned to become the first facility of its kind outside Luzon.

The governor acknowledged that the evolving development plans may present challenges, particularly in terms of implementation schedules and construction timelines.

She nevertheless said local officials have already agreed to retain the food security component in Naga, describing it as an essential project for the province.

“He agreed to it nga didto jud,” Baricuatro said, referring to discussions with Chiong regarding the location of the Mega Food Hub.

The Balili estate project was first announced on May 19 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Cebu provincial government and MTD Philippines Inc.

The proposed development covers approximately 45 hectares of provincial government property in Naga City and was originally envisioned as an integrated complex featuring a Satellite Provincial Government Center, a Sports and Economic Hub, food security facilities, fish port and fish market facilities, renewable energy infrastructure, and transport terminals.

Project proponents clarified during the signing that the memorandum of understanding merely establishes a framework for cooperation and does not yet constitute a binding agreement for implementation. — (FREEMAN)