Mandaue needs P800M to construct new city hall

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government might need P800 million to build a new government center.

Lawyer Jamaal James Calipayan, executive secretary of Mayor Jonas Cortes, said the city might have to borrow money from banks or sell some properties that prove to be draining the government’s resources.

 However, Calipayan said as of the moment P800 million is still an initial estimate coming from architects consulted by the city about the plan to build a 23-story city hall building which will be built at the site of the old public market in barangay Centro.

Once the new city hall is built, its ground floor will be used for the Mandaue City Investment and Promotions Activity Center to generate more income.

Departments with frontline services such as the City Treasurer’s Office and the Office of Building Official will occupy the lower floors.

Legislative offices will be located on the middle floors while the Office of the Mayor will be located on the top floor, Calipayan said.

Calipayan said the city chose the site of the old market for the new city hall “because we don’t want to lose the city core concept.”

The location is adjacent to the National Shrine of St. Joseph and the existing City Hall, which is also known as the Presidencia.

Among the earlier options considered was the reclamation area in barangay Labogon.

The city also considered buying the Cebu International Convention Center and turn it into a city hall, but is not pushing through with the plan as it might encounter some legal impediments.

The 75-year-old Presidencia will be turned into a museum.

Mayor Cortes has stressed the need to build a new city hall because he wanted all the 36 department offices as he wanted to provide his constituents with a “one stop shop.”

Calipayan also said the city hopes the design will be finished within the year.  (FREEMAN)