Magpale opposes proposal to transfer Capitol project

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale begged to differ with the opinion of a former heritage consultant of the Provincial Capitol on the need to transfer the proposed 20-storey Provincial Resource Center outside Metro Cebu.

Magpale said that Gov. Hilario Davide III’s administration has implemented many programs and projects to promote economic development in other parts of the province.

Magpale told reporters yesterday that the decision to place the building near the Capitol was made by the Province’s Economic Enterprise Council (EEC).

Magpale said that the EEC also determined the viability of the project and how it can help earn revenue for the Province.

She said that the proposal to transfer the planned Provincial Resource Center to another area is non-viable as they can’t determine if it could generate profit immediately or not.

“Dili ta kaingon kung magtukod ta in one of the towns nga expected nga naay economic development dayon, mahimo na noon na ug white elephant,” she said.

Former Capitol consultant for heritage and museums Jojo Eleazar Bersales earlier said that the proposed 20-storey building that the Province wants to construct near the Capitol building will only ruin the heritage value of the historical landmark.

The project should also be transferred to help promote economic growth in underdeveloped towns and cities.

Magpale said she would wait for the recommendations of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines about the project.

They earlier urged the Province to redesign the building to promote symmetry and balance with the old Capitol building. /