Governor Gwendolyn Garcia asks Palafox to help develop government center

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has asked a renowned architect and urban planner to consider helping the Capitol with its plan to transfer the seat of provincial government to Balamban.

Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. visited the governor at the Capitol on Monday together with his staff from Palafox Associates, and pitched a proposal to Garcia about the tourism master development plan of the province.

But the governor did not commit to this plan of Palafox as this kind of development plan would be difficult considering that it entails years to be fully implemented and that leaders in the local government units are changing every three years.

During Palafox's visit, Garcia instead asked him if the former could lend his expertise to the Capitol in its plan to develop a government center in Balamban.

The Capitol has a plan to build the said government center at the 17-hectare property in Balamban town and plans to acquire more lots so that more offices especially the regional offices and national line agencies can be accommodated.

According to Sugbo News, the Capitol's news portal, Garcia is aware of the "not-so-cheap business rate" of the renowned architect and that the Capitol would only work if the Capitol can receive “affordable” rates from Palafox.

Architect Palafox was once the chief architect and master planner of the Ayalas that helped in the development of Cebu Business Park in the 1980s and helped transform Dubai into a First World City.

“Cebu could be the pace setter. Maybe, to be a First World, maybe Cebu can go ahead of the country as a First World province,” Palafox said, according to Sugbo News.

Garcia also hoped that the two parties could work together for the said "legacy project."

Aside from visiting the governor, Palafox also shared to the Provincial Board the sustainable development and green projects that can help Cebu in boosting its tourism industry and economy during the august body's regular session last Monday. — GMR (FREEMAN)