A proposed economic zone in Naga City could bring as many as 10,000 jobs, but before the project moves forward, Cebu Province will first determine whether the plan can fit within its existing development plans for the Balili property.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has created a technical working group (TWG) to evaluate Naga’s request to use around 16 to 17 hectares of the province-owned property in Barangay Tinaan for an economic zone.
Executive Order No. 52, issued on Sept. 23, directs the TWG to study the proposal, including possible arrangements that could allow Naga City to develop a portion of the property.
The group will determine the exact area being requested and review its boundaries, technical descriptions, existing improvements and current use.
It will also assess whether the proposed economic zone is compatible with provincial programs already planned for the site.
Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong earlier proposed the use of the 16 to 17-hectare portion to accommodate industrial locators and potentially create up to 10,000 jobs for residents.
Baricuatro has said the province is open to revisiting its development plans for the property to accommodate the proposal, provided projects considered essential to Cebu’s provincial development agenda remain in place.
She also stressed the need to coordinate with Naga as the host local government before major developments are pursued in the area.
The TWG will examine the legal and financial implications of any agreement involving the property.
Its review will cover the province’s ownership and title status, possible restrictions or encumbrances, property valuation and the fiscal impact of a potential transaction.
Among the options to be studied are usufruct, lease, joint undertaking, sale, transfer and other arrangements allowed under existing laws.
The group will also assess the proposal’s potential impact on the environment, agriculture, food security and the local economy, as well as its consistency with provincial development and land-use plans.
The economic zone proposal comes as the province develops a broader plan for the roughly 45-hectare Balili property.
The concept includes a satellite provincial government center, sports and economic facilities, a fish port and market, renewable energy components and transport terminals.
The province is exploring the development with MTD Philippines Inc. after Baricuatro and company president and CEO Engr. Patrick Nicholas David signed a memorandum of understanding in May for a feasibility study.
David previously clarified that the agreement did not constitute a commitment to proceed with construction.
The province also plans to retain the Cebu Mega Food Hub in Naga as part of the property’s development.
Baricuatro has described the food hub as a non-negotiable component because of its role in the province’s food security strategy.
The project is being considered for a P1-billion allocation from the Department of Agriculture and is undergoing a feasibility study.
The TWG is chaired by Provincial Administrator Atty. Joseph “Ace” H. Durano.
Under EO 52, the group has 60 calendar days from the order’s effectivity to submit a Joint Evaluation and Recommendation Report to the Office of the Governor, unless the period is extended for justifiable reasons.
The review will include consultations with Naga City, concerned stakeholders and other government agencies.
Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO
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