King-Chan says P700 million ready for Lapu-Lapu CH complex

CEBU, Philippines —  The Lapu-Lapu City government has earmarked an initial P700 million for the construction of a new City Hall complex, Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan announced following her State of the City Address (SOCA).

In an interview, King-Chan said the amount will serve as the initial funding for the project, which is envisioned to house government offices in one location and improve the delivery of public services.

The mayor said the city is now laying the foundation for the future Lapu-Lapu City Hall Complex, which she described as a modern, smart, resilient, and sustainable center of government.

She said the project aims to consolidate government services in one complex, improve accessibility for residents, and provide a more suitable workplace for city employees and public servants.

“Hopefully, makahinay na ta. By the end of the year, ma-final na nato ang framework,” King-Chan said.

During the mayor’s SOCA on July 22, the city government presented an artist’s rendition of the proposed City Hall complex.

“That was not the final design, but more or less ingon ana na,” she said.

King-Chan said the proposed complex will be built in front of the existing City Hall in Barangay Pusok.

However, she clarified that the city has yet to complete the project’s master plan.

“The master plan is not only for the city hall building itself but also includes the surrounding area,” she said.

According to the mayor, the initial P700 million allocation comes from the city government’s own funds.

“Actually, naa na ta ron, makaingon kog P700 million. Naa na ang siyudad ana for the city hall,” she said.

King-Chan explained that the city began setting aside funds for the project last year by allocating P200 million annually. This brought the city’s allocation to P400 million for 2025 and 2026.

She added that the city has also generated another P300 million, bringing the total amount currently set aside for the project to P700 million.

The mayor said the city also plans to allocate another P200 million for the project in 2027.

King-Chan said the city government prefers to finance the project using its own funds rather than taking out a loan.

However, she disclosed that both the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) have offered financing for the project.

“Nag sige og pangulitaw ang Land Bank ug DBP, tag-P2 billion ilang gipa-loan, but kung pwede dili lang ta mag-loan,” she said.

The mayor said the P700 million is only the initial allocation, noting that the total cost of the City Hall complex is estimated at around P1 billion.

She added that the city envisions the complex as a green and resilient government building, with solar panels installed on its roof. The proposed design also includes a retention pond to help manage stormwater runoff and improve flood mitigation within the area.