Mandaue clock tower built “like a building”

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City government has assured the public that the newly unveiled clock tower at the city’s Heritage Plaza is structurally sound and built to endure the elements.

Mayor Glenn Bercede emphasized that the tower was constructed to last.

“We intentionally timed the unveiling during the fiesta, as it serves as the highlight of our annual celebration,” said Bercede.

He recalled that a previous version of the structure, unveiled during the New Year’s Eve celebration welcoming 2024 under former mayor Jonas Cortes, had deteriorated over time and was later admitted to be only a mock-up.

This time, the actual clock tower is here to stay. For the first time, City Administrator Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan revealed that the project cost P5.9 million in total. Of this, P4 million was allocated for the clock tower itself, which is made of concrete and polymer composite materials. The remaining P1.9 million covered the cost of two weatherproof outdoor clocks, which the contractor guaranteed to be durable.

“It’s really designed for outdoor use,” Calipayan said.

He added that the clock chimes every day at 12 noon, a feature made possible through its programmable mechanism and speakers installed outside the Presidencia Building.

Bercede said the structure is envisioned to become a lasting symbol for both residents and visitors.

“At last, we’ve made the clock tower a reality. Rain or shine, it won’t fade or fall apart,” he stated.

Echoing Bercede’s assurance, Calipayan said the tower was “built like a building” and is expected to stand the test of time, especially with the city’s plan to convert the Presidencia Building into a museum once the new Mandaue City Government Center is operational. The clock tower, he noted, will be one of the main features of the future museum.

“This is one of the structures we built specifically for people to visit,” Calipayan shared.

The project also includes the beautification of the entire Heritage Plaza, featuring enhanced lighting to attract more visitors.

To maintain the clock tower’s condition amid growing public interest, Bercede said the city will assign security personnel to guard the area and prevent vandalism. Chain bollards will also be installed around the tower to keep people from getting too close.

Calipayan likened Mandaue’s clock tower to iconic installations in progressive cities, including Big Ben in London.

“A clock in the center of a city symbolizes progress. It reflects how important time is — not just to Mandauehanons, but to the story of how the city began and where it is today,” he said.

He stressed the tower’s symbolic significance for a fast-growing city.

“Ang atong mga tao ron busy kaayo daghan na kaayo og gipangbuhat simbolo siya, and that is the same with the rest of the kaning naay mga dagko nga clock installation,” Calipayan added. (CEBU NEWS)