NEGROS Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the proposed joint venture for the renovation and expansion of the Provincial Administration Center (PAC) is seen to attract more business opportunities.
“It’s possible that we will have a partner,” Lacson said, but clarified that the Provincial Board was not yet notified whether the project will be a joint venture or implemented by the province alone.
He said the Provincial Board is still trying to get copies of ordinances from other local government units that implemented projects through a public-private partnership.
“The intention here is to make it attractive for investors. But we’re looking at a simpler move which is a joint venture,” the vice governor said.
The renovation of the PAC building was put off to make way for the commercial area at the ground floor of the facility.
Lacson said notices to vacate were already issued to offices occupying the building.
The P185.9-million renovation and expansion of PAC is part of the Capitol’s four infrastructure projects, which started construction in early 2017.
The other projects are the P114.65 million Negros First Pala-Pala and Food Terminal, the P113.9-million development of Capitol-run Sweet City Captel, and the P84.8-million renovation and construction of Mambukal Mountain Resort Hotel and Convention Center.
The funding for the four major infrastructure projects was sourced from the P500-million bank loan obtained by the province in 2016.