TWG to assess Balili proposal

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to evaluate Naga City’s proposal involving a portion of the province-owned Balili property in Barangay Tinaan.

Executive Order No. 52, issued on September 23, directs the TWG to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the city government’s request to utilize a portion of the property.

The order comes after Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong expressed interest in using part of the property for an economic zone that could attract industries and generate employment for residents.

"WHEREAS, the City Government of Naga, Cebu has formally manifested its interest in the use and/or acquisition of a portion of the Balili Property for local government and public service purposes," reads a portion of Baricuatro’s EO.

The proposed economic zone is being considered alongside the provincial government’s plans for the Balili property, which forms part of a larger development concept for an integrated government, sports and economic complex in Naga.

In a previous article, Baricuatro said the provincial government is willing to revisit the development plan to accommodate Naga City’s proposal while retaining projects considered important to the province.

“Nihangyo man gud si Mayor Val nga he would want to use that area for an economic zone which could also generate jobs,” Baricuatro said.

The governor said the province also has to coordinate with the host local government before proceeding with major projects in the area.

Under EO 52, the TWG will be chaired by Provincial Administrator Atty. Joseph “Ace” H. Durano, with Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources chairman Dr. Stanley Caminero as vice chairperson.

Its members are Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Guiller Y. Ceniza, Provincial Assessor Michelle V. Languido, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office representative Rodel C. Bontuyan, Cebu Provincial Investment and Promotions Division and EEC Secretariat head Paulo Uy, Provincial Planning and Development Office representative Nerces D. Bispo, and SP Committee on Provincial/Municipal Properties chairman Raymond Joseph D. Calderon.

The group is tasked to determine the exact portion of the Balili property being requested by Naga and assess whether its proposed use is compatible with existing and planned provincial programs.

It will also inspect the property and verify its technical descriptions, boundaries, existing improvements and current use.

The TWG is further directed to conduct legal due diligence, including checking the province’s ownership, title status, possible encumbrances and restrictions, as well as the legal requirements for any transaction involving the property.

It will also conduct a valuation and financial assessment to determine the fiscal implications of any proposed arrangement involving the property.

The group will assess the possible environmental, agricultural, food security and socioeconomic impacts of the proposal and determine its consistency with the province’s development and land-use plans.

Among the arrangements to be studied are usufruct, lease, joint undertaking, sale, transfer or other legally permissible forms of utilization.

The TWG is also expected to recommend safeguards for the province, including possible reversionary rights, maintenance obligations, development commitments, restrictions on transfer and compliance mechanisms.

The provincial government is also considering how Naga’s proposed economic zone can fit into the broader development plan for the property.

The original concept for the site covers about 45 hectares and includes a Satellite Provincial Government Center, sports and economic facilities, food security infrastructure, a fish port and fish market, renewable energy components and transport terminals.

The plan is being explored with MTD Philippines Inc., with Baricuatro and MTD Philippines Inc. president and chief executive officer Engr. Patrick Nicholas David signing a memorandum of understanding on May 19 to begin a feasibility study.

On that same day, David told reporters the MOU was intended to establish a framework for cooperation and did not yet bind the parties to construction.

“The MOU we signed is an intent and a framework for cooperation. It's not yet binding. No construction begins today, hopefully tomorrow,” said David.

While the development plan is being reviewed, Baricuatro said the proposed Cebu Mega Food Hub would remain in Naga City, describing the project as non-negotiable because of its importance to the province’s food security plans.

The food hub is proposed to receive a P1-billion allocation from the Department of Agriculture and is currently undergoing a feasibility study. Its proposed location is considered strategic because of the property’s access to southern Cebu and proximity to a port.

Naga officials have also agreed to retain the food hub while pursuing the proposed economic zone.

Chiong earlier said the city was looking at around 16 to 17 hectares for the economic zone, with the aim of attracting industrial locators and generating as many as 10,000 jobs.

The exact area to be allocated, however, has yet to be determined. The province and the city still have to discuss how the property will be divided between the proposed economic zone and the Mega Food Hub.

Any possible sale or transfer of provincial property would also require approval from the Cebu Provincial Board, including the determination of the final purchase price.

The TWG is required to consult concerned stakeholders, coordinate with Naga City and other government agencies, and submit a Joint Evaluation and Recommendation Report to the Office of the Governor within 60 calendar days from the effectivity of EO 52, unless extended for justifiable reasons.

The Balili property has been the subject of controversy since the provincial government purchased the 24.7-hectare seaside estate from the Balili family in 2008 for P98.9 million during the administration of then-Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

A ground survey by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources later found that about 82 percent, or 20.2 hectares, of the property was submerged and covered with mangroves

The purchase later became the subject of investigations and graft proceedings against Garcia and other officials. In November 2020, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Garcia and seven others in connection with the purchase

Today, the province continues to own the property.— (FREEMAN)