THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 hopes to finish its work on the foundation of the Cebu Provincial Government Center in Balamban town, midwest Cebu this July, which is earlier than its intended completion date of November this year.

During their meeting with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, DPWH 7 Director Ernesto Gregorio Jr. and his engineers vowed to hasten the development of the site and the construction of the structural foundation for the Capitol’s executive building replica in the 2.3 hectares of land purchased by the provincial government.

But Gregorio explained that the funds aren’t enough to complete the construction of the entire copy of the Capitol building.

Because of this, the DPWH 7 will construct the building phase by phase depending on the funds that will be provided by the national government and the Province.

According to a report by Sugbo News, the Cebu Provincial Government has already secured six titled lots measuring 17.5 hectares at the project site.

The governor had earlier planned to purchase an additional 50 hectares of property near the site for the Capitol to construct provincial and regional offices for national government agencies.

The Capitol has already allocated P550 million under the proposed 2021 budget for the construction of the new Capitol building.

Last year, the national government initially allocated P200 million from the General Appropriations Act to be used by the province for site development.

Two senators, namely Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Francis Tolentino, also pledged P180 million for the project.

The government center being constructed in Balamban is designed to bring the services closer to the people from the southern and northern parts of Cebu.

Investments

Meanwhile, officials in Balamban said should the Cebu Provincial Government Center be completed, it could help bring investments and economic activity in the town.

Town Councilor Roel Ponce Cabañero said the government center, which is set to be constructed in an area between Barangays Cansoromoy and Cambuhawe, could help spur economic activity and attract people from other towns and cities in the province who are looking for jobs.

Though housing developments have started sprouting in Balamban, Cabañero said he expects it to further expand with more residents expected to live in their town if Garcia proceeds with her plan to transfer the Province’s government center.

He said this development will also help Balamban’s bid for cityhood.

The only downside, he said, is that petty crimes will likely go up. (ANV, PAC / TPT)