The Provincial Government is proceeding with its plan to revoke the deed of donation of the property that is currently being occupied by the National Irrigation Administration in Central Visayas (NIA 7).
Capitol originally owns the property along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue in Banilad, Cebu City where NIA’s regional office currently stands.
Capitol had previously offered to relocate NIA to more conducive area in the city such as the Department of Agriculture Compound in Brgy. Guadalupe or in Sudlon, Lahug; since its current location, which is in close proximity to the Cebu IT Park, now possesses high commercial value. However, NIA 7 at first refused to move because they are also operating a multi-purpose commercial building there.
During the meeting with NIA chief Eduardo Guillen at the Capitol on Thursday, April 13, Gov. Gwen Garcia shot down NAI’s reason for its defiance, saying that the very intent of operating a multi-purpose commercial building is already a violation of the condition of Capitol’s deed of donation — that the lot should only be used for NIA’s official functions.
Guillen, listening to the governor’s reason, decided to withdraw NAI’s intention of running a commercial complex, and instead, is now willing and would be “agreeable” to work with Capitol in the relocation of their regional office.
Gov. Garcia is firm in her decision to secure back Capitol’s prime lots in the area which are also being occupied currently by other government agencies such as NFA, PopCom, TESDA, and Cebu Medical Society, among others.
The governor said her position is “non-negotiable” as she intends to develop these prime properties into revenue-generating enterprises which would give a steady stream of income for the Province for many years to come, funding its various projects and programs for the Cebuanos. | Carlo Lorenciana
