CCCI to receive P3M aid from Capitol

THE Cebu Provincial Government will extend P3 million as financial assistance to the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for hosting the 27th Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CAPCCI) on March 14 and 15.

Suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia had promised the group P5 million, but Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale said the Province’s financial status prevents it from giving the original amount.

Discount only

Prudencio Gesta, head of CCCI, paid a courtesy call on Magpale at her office last Feb. 11 to discuss the matter.

Magpale said she called the provincial treasurer and the ad hoc committee that is monitoring the Province’s financial status so they could come up with an amount for the CCCI.

Magpale reiterated that the Province is dependent on its Internal Revenue Allotment, which is P133 million.

Magpale said they can only offer a discount to the CCCI for the rental of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) where the event will be held.

“We cannot afford the P5 (million) because they were asking for a discount in the rental for the CICC… There are repairs that have to be made so we cannot give anymore for free the (rental of the) CICC,” Magpale told reporters.

Ceiling leaks

She said she received reports from the Provincial Engineering’s Office that there was a leak in the ceiling.

“Kagahapon gali pwerting tu (Yesterday, it was leaking from ceiling). Gikuhaan gani’g (They took) pictures so we have to do some repairs. Basa gyud kaayo (It was very wet). The carpets were wet. So I have to assign the newly designated engineer and I said ‘check’,” she said.

She said the Province also pays P1 million monthly for the CICC’s electricity, P250,000 for its water bill and P200,000 to the Philippine Exhibitors and Theme Parks Corp., the CICC’s management team.