P1-billion People’s Center for Mandaue

A Mandaue City People’s Center and a 200-hectare Mandaue Global Central Project were among the priority projects unveiled by Mayor Jonas Cortes in his inaugural address yesterday.

“The People’s Center shall be the epitome of a government center, where our clients can comfortably transact with government in a structure that is sustainable, green, functional, and beautiful,” Cortes said.

The People’s Center will be built in the old public market lot and will cost P800 million to P1 billion.

It will house all departments, some national government agencies and the Mandaue City Investment Promotions Action Center.

Cortes said the old City Hall, also known as the Presidencia, will be converted into a museum, “where Mandaue’s history and pride shall be showcased for our future generations to learn from.”

By transferring all departments to one building, the old offices can be leased to investors so the city can earn additional income, Cortes said..

“We will encourage the employment of skilled Mandauehanons to build this building,” he said.

Cortes said the Mandaue Global Central Project, a reclamation project in barangay Umapad will be done in four phases.

It will consist of the Waterfront Commercial Center, the Agro-Industrial Logistics Park, the Cansaga Bay Commercial and Residential Centre, and the Mandaue Central Watersport and Leisure Park.

To stimulate economic growth, Cortes said the city needs to focus on building a responsive infrastructure, effective traffic and security management, qualified manpower, and business accessibility.

Cortes also acknowledged the need for a Mega Cebu framework that will coordinate efforts among all Metro Cebu local governments to solve common problems like flooding and traffic.

The mayor cited his achievements such as relocation of close to 5,000 families, road asphalting and completing the first phase of an integrated traffic control system.

Philip Tan, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce, lauded the mayor’s transparency and willingness to work with the private sector and other local officials to solve the city’s problems.

“He hears us and he creates an environment for businesses to help out in his administration,” Tan said.