SP tackles proposed transfer of City Hall

THE members of the 20th City Council started discussing the proposal to transfer City Hall and other government offices/agencies to a more spacious location as proposed by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas during the regular session last Monday presided over by City Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez. Cabanlas said City Hall is already very congested while other city government offices are located in various parts of the City. The city hall must have ample space to accommodate the transacting public, he added. The joint committees on subdivision and landed estate, on ways and means, on public works, and on tourism, respectively chaired by Councilors Cabanlas, George S. Goking, John Michael L. Seno, and Jay R. Pascual were tasked to study the proposal. During the meeting last Thursday, Councilor Cabanlas said City Mayor Rolando A. Uy is also initiating plans and consulting department heads regarding the proposed project. Cabanlas disclosed that the Ecopark (old dumpsite) in Upper Carmen is being eyed as one of the locations for the new City Hall, adding the area is accessible to the public with the road construction in the area going to the National Highway in Barangay Bulua. For his part, Councilor Aga Suan said the location of the new City Hall need to be spacious to accommodate various government offices, a leisure park and a business hub for banks, restaurants and other businesses. PRESERVATION City Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez lauded Councilor Cabanlas for making the proposal, saying the proposed new City Hall really needs a spacious parking space and other amenities especially for Person with Disabilities (PWDs). She, however, emphasized the historical value of the present location of the city hall, stressing “We retain in a way nga ma-preserve nato ni because of historical and political value”. For his part, Councilor Roger Abaday stated that the plan should be handled by a group of experts or a Technical Working Group (TWG). Present during the meeting were Councilors Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba, Ian Mark Q. Nacaya, Jose Pepe S. Abbu, Jr., Christian Rustico Achas, and Imee Moreno.