The P150-million national government allocation intended for the construction of a new Cebu Provincial Capitol in Balamban is now in limbo, prompting the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro to reassess how—or if—the funds can still be used for another infrastructure project.
The allocation was originally earmarked for a provincial capitol building in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban. However, the project failed to move forward, leaving the provincial government to scrutinize the current status and possible disposition of the funds.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the administration is evaluating whether the amount can be legally realigned to another project, retained for Balamban’s development, or returned to the national government.
A major complication, Empaces said, is that the province never fully acquired the land intended for the capitol site.
“Dili pa gani na property sa probinsya kay wala pa man nabayran ang yuta,” Empaces said, noting that the unresolved land ownership raises serious questions about the viability of the original project and the site preparations that were undertaken.
The P150-million allocation came from national government funds specifically designated for a capitol building.
Budget records show that the amount was part of Senate insertions approved during the Fiscal Year 2025 Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations and later incorporated into the General Appropriations Act.
Under the same budget process, Cebu Province secured billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects, with the Balamban capitol listed among dozens of approved projects nationwide.
Empaces said the provincial government has already sought clarification from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly on the current status of the funds and the justification for the road that was opened leading to the proposed capitol site.
“Hangtod karon wala pa sad sila’y tubag,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, provincial officials said they are keen on ensuring that the allocation—if it can still be retained—continues to benefit Balamban, which the province is positioning as an emerging industrial and economic hub in western Cebu.
One proposal under consideration is the development of a multi-purpose innovation or government hub that could host meetings, training programs, and industry-related activities while generating revenue for the province.
Empaces said such a facility could also function as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) venue, aligning with Balamban’s growing role in manufacturing and enterprise development.
However, unresolved concerns remain, particularly regarding the road project leading to the original capitol site, including questions about its authorization, feasibility, and long-term use should the capitol project be abandoned altogether.
