NEWS

By Kaiser Jan Fuentes | The Manila Times | July 9, 2025

MANDAUE CITY — Despite having previously raised concerns over the P3-billion loan for the project, newly elected Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has now committed to pursuing the construction of the new Mandaue Government Center.

Ouano, who officially took office on June 30, said his stance changed after a three-day inspection of city offices from July 1 to July 3. He found that many departments are squeezed into undersized and outdated spaces, hampering their operations and efficiency.

He acknowledged that while he had initial reservations about the loan, the poor working conditions in existing government facilities made it clear that the city urgently needs a centralized and modern building to meet growing demands.

“What I observed is that they really lack space,” he told reporters.

The mayor stressed that the new government center will play a crucial role in improving public services and operational capacity.

The facility, currently under construction in Barangay Tipolo on a 4.3-hectare site across the old Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), is intended to consolidate all local departments and national government agencies into a single eight-story, one-stop shop building.

The project, initiated during former mayor Jonas Cortes’ term, is funded by a P3-billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines, payable over 15 years.

While supportive of the project’s objectives, Ouano admitted that he had preferred a public-private partnership (PPP) model instead of a loan.

He expressed concern that funds tied to the loan could have otherwise been redirected to increase aid for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

However, with the loan already finalized and construction under way, Ouano said his administration would honor the plan and proceed with the project.

“But the process is already too long, and we only have three years. We’re no longer looking beyond my term in 2028. So, we might as well continue the existing plan — it’s already started, and the loan has already been made anyway,” said Ouano.

The first structure to rise on the site will be the Iconic Building, estimated to cost P2.5 billion.

According to the project’s master plan presented by the contractor, WT Construction Inc., the Iconic Building will house the city’s executive and legislative offices.

The main building to follow will accommodate frontline departments and service counters.

Although the CICC stands on the same property, it is not part of the current construction footprint. Ouano said he intends to pursue a PPP to redevelop the old convention center into a business park.

Ouano cited its high real estate value and potential for transformation similar to Cebu IT Park or Bonifacio Global City.

“But it seems difficult now because there are already too many processes,” the mayor said.

Ouano disclosed that his administration is also open to PPP arrangements for other components of the government center, excluding the Iconic Building, as a way to reduce fiscal pressure.

Source: The Manila Times

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