Dumanjug to build Capitol-like center

CEBU, Philippines — A civic and business center is set to rise in the southern town of Dumanjug, Cebu which will also serve as the new municipal hall.

Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica said the new center will break ground on October 4. The P600-million building, which will replicate the design of the Cebu Provincial Capitol, will be constructed on a 27-hectare property in Barangay Tapon, Dumanjug.

According to Gica, the center will be known as “Pablo Paras Garcia Civic and Business Center” to honor the late governor who is from Dumanjug.

“Replicating this iconic design is a fitting tribute to the distinguished Governors who hailed from Dumanjug. We take immense pride in calling Dumanjug the 'Home of the Governors,” Gica said.

At least three of the governors of Cebu hailed from Dumanjug, one is former governor Dinisio Abella Jakosalem, then former congressman and governor Pablo “Pabling” Garcia, and the current Governor Gwen Garcia.

He said, aside from Gwen who is expected to grace the event this Friday, he is also inviting the Garcia family to attend the groundbreaking. Gica said the budget for the said building is sourced from various sources.

“The fund is gipangayo nato sa mga opisyal sa national and naa pud gipangayo si Gov dinha. So mao na nga naa tay igo igo nga pundo,” Gica told The Freeman.

The construction is expected to be completed in one to two years. Once completed, the LGU will house its different offices in the center.

Gica said they are already in the final stage of their masterplan on how to utilize the entire property.

“Magbutang ta diha og LGU offices, magbutang ta diha mga 5 hectares of the 27 nga office gyud sa munciapl agriculturist aron adto sila didto mag opisina unya magbutang ddto og demo farm with all kinds of high value crops aron naay matan-aw ang atong farmers sa Dumanjug ug sa mga silingang lungsod,” Gica said.

They also plan to invite national government agencies to put up local offices there like the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) so that residents in the seventh district will no longer travel to Cebu City to get their NBI clearance, and other national government offices.

Moreover, a sports facility, mixed-use buildings and other facilities are planned to be established in the area to create economic activity and eventually create job opportunities for their residents.

According to Gica, they purchase the land from the heirs of former governor Jakosalem.

“Usa ra ka apelido pero daghan ang tag-iya mga heirs of (governor) Dionisio Jakosalem sad…Nakapalit ta siguro og katunga pa, ipurchase pa nato ang uban. Maybe after October or November I’m sure this year mahurot na namo’g palit,” Gica said.

“We are hoping and keeping our fingers crossed nga maayo unta ang resulta ani maong proyekto,” he added. — (FREEMAN)