Rally in Consolacion

CEBU, Philippines - Some former Consolacion town officials who are running for positions in the May 13 elections yesterday morning led more than one hundred residents to protest the demolition of the sports complex to pave the way for the construction of a six-story annex municipal hall.

Also at the four-hour rally were former mayor Avelino Gungob, his daughter incumbent town councilor Analee Gungob, and former sixth district congresswoman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

But Mayor Teresa Alegado in a separate interview with reporters downplayed the rally saying there is nothing new with the statements of those who oppose the project.

Alegado said her opponents use the issue for their political ambition, adding that all requirements set by different government agencies have been properly complied with.

Gungob told reporters that the Consolacion Sports Complex must not be demolished but rather developed by the present administration.

According to Gungob, with the presence of the sports complex, it is a great help to the youth to get away from vices and focus on sports.

The former mayor said the government spent almost P10 million to build the Consolacion Sports Complex.

“Kining klase nga mga building angayan ni i-develop kay naa pa man ni gamit sa youth ug katawhan. Dili ni angayan nato nga gub-on lang, Gungob said.

He said there’s a lot in sitio Laray in barangay Nangka which is ideal for a government center.

Gungob said the site of the sports complex measures about 2,000 square meters which is not good for a government center.

“Kaning complex gamay ra pud kaayo i nga himuon ug government center,” Gungob said.

Former congresswoman Soon-Ruiz, on the other hand, said the site is not perfect for a government center because vehicular traffic builds up easily in the area.

She said she also learned that the day care center and a barangay hall will be affected by the demolition.

Alegado said a growing population necessitates the construction of a government center to improve the delivery of basic services.

She said majority of the members of the sangguniang bayan have authorized her to push through with the project.

She said the requirements were all complied with and the majority of the people of Consolacion are happy with the construction of a government center.

“Daghan sa mga taga Consolacion ang nalipay sa atong gihimo karon sa lungsod,” Alegado said.  (FREEMAN)