Parking system eyed
A Makati City-based firm specializing in engineering innovation has expressed interest in developing and modernizing the Cebu City Government’s on-street pay parking management and collection services.
To shed light on the matter, the City Council has called for an executive session on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
During the regular session last Oct. 23, Councilors Jerry Guardo and Eugenio Gabuya Jr. filed a joint resolution that would have authorized Mayor Tomas Osmeña to enter into and sign the joint venture agreement ( JVA) with Tokagawa Global Corp. (TGC) president Solomon Say.
Established in 2004, TGC has engaged in parking operations, including organized manual and electronic pay parking services for private cars, provincial buses, public utility jeepneys and tricycles since 2007.
Although not against the measure, Councilor Joy Pesquera said an executive session will help the council understand what the JVA entails.
Aside from representatives of TGC, the City Council has also invited the City Transportation Office (CCTO), City Planning Office, and the Department of Engineering and Public Works.
A copy of the company’s unsolicited proposal was submitted to Mayor Tomas Osmeña last Jan. 16.
In the cover letter, TGC senior vice president for operations Gener Guce said their proposal will be implemented in phases starting in the downtown area including the Carbon Public Market.
“Briefly, the proposed modernization of the parking management system in Cebu City will provide more employment opportunities since our practical approach and methodology is to absorb the current roster of parking aides, and increase their number by operating in two shifts starting from 7 a.m. up to 7 p.m., and Mondays to Saturdays excluding holidays; and by expanding the coverage area with the use of technology, customer-friendly services and motorist assistance,” wrote Guce.
TGC intends to “exclusively employ” Cebu City residents as parking aides and deputized collectors who will be trained and outfitted with uniforms and IDs.
Under the draft JVA, Tokagawa will be granted the exclusive right to administer and manage all existing parking slots and spaces that are currently under the administration of the City Government for a period of three years.
The City shall be entitled to a 22-percent share based on the gross revenue, less value added tax, provided that it shall be in no case less than a guaranteed minimum annual income of P8,798,088.50.
The City’s share will be remitted by TGC on a quarterly basis on the tenth day of the month.
As of August 2018, the CCTO has collected around P22.3 million from pay parking.
Guce said their proposal will allow the City Government to re-deploy its personnel to traffic management and help ease congestion.