Mandaue City’s Government Center broke ground on Thursday, August 29, one day before the city celebrates its 55th founding anniversary, and Gov. Gwen Garcia saw this as the redemption of the old Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
The Governor graced the groundbreaking ceremony at the CICC compound and joined Mayor Jonas Cortes, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, and members of the city council in unveiling the Government Center’s design as well as the ceremonial laying of the capsule.
“The CICC has had, like the Cebuano story, a long and historic past. And when we thought that it would just start to decay and be renovated to the dustbin of forgottenness, kining inyong proyekto karon mao kini ang redemption. The redemption of the CICC and the redemption of the Cebuano spirit,” Gov. Gwen said in her speech.
The new Government Center is designed to house the executive and legislative offices of the city, national government satellite offices, a public terminal, a park, and parking facilities. It is set to be a convenient, efficient, one-stop shop for Mandaue residents and will feature amenities that are friendly to persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
The design of the center is inspired by a modern “Bantay Hari” or watchtower, symbolizing a leadership that watches over its people, said Mayor Cortes, who was present in a civilian capacity owing to his suspension.
“This project goes beyond a physical structure. It is a symbol of our collective hope and unwavering commitment to progress. Ang dugay nang pangandoy, natuman na gayod,” said Mayor Cortes.
To fund the project, the city secured a P3 billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines, to be repaid over 15 years using local revenues and income from rentable commercial spaces.
The CICC, a 3-storey convention center, was built during Gov. Gwen’s first round in office for the 12th Asean Summit and 2nd East Asia Summit in 2007.
It was severely damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013 and Supertyphoon Yolanda a month later. It was acquired by Mandaue City in 2019. | MARM