Sunday, December 24, 2006
Ouano considers recalling award
MAYOR Thadeo Ouano wants to take back the title of “adopted son” from Norberto Quisumbing Jr., five years after the Mandaue City Government conferred the title on the industrialist.
The mayor pointed out that Quisumbing has not given importance to the city anymore, after the latter filed administrative and civil complaints against Ouano for the takeover of a property in Barangay Looc that Norkis Trading Co. Inc. has occupied for several years.
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Ouano said yesterday he wants the City Council to act on the matter, considering they will hold a special session on Dec. 28.
Ouano said Quisumbing should understand that the takeover of the 11,400-square meter property is for the benefit of the marginal sector who cannot afford college education.
The property, where a display center of Norkis stands, is the proposed site of the Mandaue City College.
In a separate interview, City Councilor Carlo Pontico Fortuna said that for the matter to be discussed by the council, the mayor should make a formal request.
Fortuna, chairman of the committee on laws and ordinances, told Sun.Star Cebu that the City must conduct a thorough study before it decides whether Quisumbing is still an adopted son of the city or not.
In 2001, Ouano said it was about time they recognized Quisumbing’s contributions to Mandaue, where he poured his investments when it was still a municipality with a population of just 30,000.
Dispute
Quisumbing was awarded the honor on the eve of his 71st birthday.
But this year, the conflict between the City and Norkis escalated when the City wanted to take back the property in Looc that the company has been leasing for several years.
According to the City, the company didn’t follow the provisions of the memorandum of agreement that states the company should put up a park or playground on the property.
Last Nov. 29, heavy equipment of the Mandaue City Government rammed into the gate of the property, as Ouano issued a memorandum for a takeover.
Norkis said the takeover didn’t have a court order, prompting the company to file complaints against the Ouano and the City.
Interviewed last September, Quisumbing announced that an “unfriendly environment” in Mandaue City has prompted him to move his plant to a northern town.
In the same month, Ouano reiterated his high regard for Quisumbing, saying the title of “adopted son” given to the businessman is a manifestation of his respect for the pioneer industrialist and the man. (AAG)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (December 24, 2006 issue)
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