City partners with private sector for legacy projects

THE Iloilo City Government is in a joint venture with the private sector in realizing three major legacy projects that will cost more than P1.1 billion, slated for completion before the term of President Benigno Aquino III expires in 2016.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the private sector is enthusiastic with recent developments in Iloilo City and opted for a public private partnership (PPP) with the City Government.

The PPP projects include the P260-million ferry terminal project in the abandoned Rotary Park Parola area for ferries plying Iloilo City and Guimaras; the Iloilo City international convention center at the Megaworld property in Mandurriao district amounting P450 million for the center and a lot donation of about P100 million; and the reconstruction of the central public market into a four-level structure under the central business district (CBD) project amounting some P400 million.

Of these projects, a groundbreaking and launching will be held on November 11 for the ferry terminal project in Parola.

Another groundbreaking and launching will be held on November 22 for the Iloilo City international convention center at the Megaworld property.

The international convention center will be managed by a private corporation paying taxes and profit sharing to the City Government.

Other events for November 2012 include the groundbreaking rites for the P140-million Iloilo fishport project inside the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) complex at the fishport in Tanza street.

On November 15, the inauguration of the completed P40 million upgrading and rehabilitation of the Iloilo City slaughterhouse in Tacas, Jaro will be conducted.

The slaughterhouse, upgraded into a full Double-A abattoir by the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIS), will effectively replace the Molo slaughterhouse where big animals are slaughtered and processed.

Mabilog said the processing of pigs, cows, carabaos and other animals will be done at the newly renovated slaughterhouse.

On the other hand, the project management office for the CBD project is readying a special public bidding before the end of December this year for the central market rehabilitation and upgrading into a commercial center.

Mabilog said the existing market stall tenants will not be displaced and the ground area is reserved for the wet market and the existing tenants.

The second up to the fourth floors will be utilized for commercial stalls to be managed by a private corporation paying taxes and market share to the City Government.

Mabilog said these projects underwent proper bidding procedure. The Iloilo-Guimaras ferry terminal project is divided into the P135-million terminal building and a two-story commercial building by Double Dragon Properties under PPP.

The Department of Transportation and Communications, on the other hand, will build the P125 million berthing area and seawall and a park in the area.