CALLING it a glorious day, Silay Mayor Mark Andrew Arthur Golez exclaimed that February 16, 2022 marks a historic event and celebration of a milestone for the city and its people.
On Wednesday morning, Golez, along with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer and other local officials led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the city’s new government center dubbed as Silay City Capitol that will soon rise on a six-hectare property at Hacienda Maquina in Barangay Rizal.
For the father of the city, the project with a proposed budget of P1 billion is a realization not just of his dream but of every Silaynon’s dream, as he emphasized that Silay is among the last cities in the province that still hasn’t established a new government center.
“Therefore, this ceremony is truly a momentous occasion,” Golez said, adding that “the local government aims to judiciously utilize our funds and other resources, as well as implement programs, and build infrastructures for the development of our society.”
This remarkable structure which will house all local government offices, he said, is a symbol and a steadfast reminder of the continuous progress happening in the city.
A design and build project, the two-story building will be constructed on a converted property donated to the city government by Claudio Lopez Incorporated whose family also donated the sites of Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, Domus Dei and Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School.
“The Silay City Capitol will showcase our heritage,” Golez said, adding that though the development is expected to be completed in four years, they will work to have it finished within his last term as mayor in 2025.
The budget for the development will be sourced from the Development Bank of the Philippines through a loan.
The mayor pointed out that the budgetary estimate of P1 billion will also cover the “indirect cost” like engineering overhead, contractor's profit and contingency taxes, and other works including site development, road network, elevation, drainage system, solar street lights, underground electricals and cables, items of furniture and fixtures, among others.
In his speech, Golez has expressed optimism that the construction of the new government center will surely spur growth and development in the area. It is seen to increase the value of the properties of the city, and its surrounding properties, which in return will build the local economy as well as offer convenience and comfort to the public.
“Also, it will boost the city government’s services to our people and spur more employment to Silaynons and Negrenses,” he said, adding that, definitely, a new town will be built with this city hall on this side of the city.
Golez thanked the donors for their huge contribution to this development as well as fellow officials, especially the members of the city council who helped pushed for the realization of the city’s dream.
Recognizing the need to be accountable to the people and to serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, the mayor called on fellow officials to be one and remain resolute in their commitment and dedication to serving the public.
“Let us live up to their expectations and we must always remember -- it is our day as well as our sworn obligation to provide and deliver to our constituents the quality services that they deserve. This is a promise of my administration to the people of Silay,” Golez said.
For the Silaynons, the mayor called on to strengthen unity and cooperation which for him have contributed to the realization of a dream to have a new city hall.
Mike Valderrama, who represented the donors during the groundbreaking rites, said their family is upbeat that the project will further spark developments in the area benefiting many businesses and entrepreneurs there.
“We are happy that we will have another destination here in Silay soon,” he said, adding that “we hope that this will really positively impact our fellow Silaynons.”
For his part, Lacson said that as the world continues to change, the role of government must also evolve according to the needs of time.
If there’s anything recent events have emphasized, the governor said it is the need for proper planning, monitoring and coordination of the government’s action. The necessity of the whole of government approach and the exigency of systematic responses prove the need for an improved and more equipped seat of government.
“This development will not only provide better services but will also stir a new growth area for the city, and of course, a tangible representation of the city’s pride and progress,” he said.
Meanwhile, also present during the activity were Third District Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, Silay City Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma and other city council members, officials and residents of Barangay Rizal, and family of the mayor including his wife, Anne, and parents, Tess and Jaime Golez.