MAYOR Jerry Treñas and Gaisano Capital Group Western Visayas Vice President Carlos Legara signed September 2 the usufruct agreement for 375-square-meter site of Iloilo City Action and Response (Icare) Center.

Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and Councilor Alan Zaldivar served as witnesses in the presence of city councilors and department heads during the signing rites at City Hall.

The P38-million state-of-the-art five-story command center, which is set to start construction this year, will rise at Gaisano's Iloilo City Center (ICC) along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district.

It will house the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), and police and fire stations.

"This is a very significant project, as we should be prepared for disaster and immediate response to emergencies and urgent situations. It will also include Intelligent Transport System to address traffic congestion in the metropolis," Treñas said.

The mayor expressed gratitude to Eddie Gaisano, whom he earlier met with in Cebu City where the plan regarding the provision of portion of property was discussed and now put in place.

He said Gaisano also committed to donate an ambulance to be on standby at the command center to respond to emergencies and urgent situations. (PR)