To start in 2 months as soon as permits are issued Ciudad project moves forward

CEBU, Philippines - After being stalled for years, Ciudad is moving forward as the Fifth Avenue Development Corp. continues to pursue the proposed P1.2 billion mixed-use development project.

Executives of Fifth Avenue presented yesterday the project before the Provincial Board.

Some of the PB members are already aware of the project, proposed at the province-owned property along Gov. Cuenco Ave. in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

A joint venture between the Province of Cebu and the Fifth Avenue, the project was conceptualized in 2007 during the time of then governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Yesterday, Michael Dino, Fifth Avenue executive vice president and chief operating officer, told the PB that they are awaiting the issuance of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Fifth Avenue needs a tree-cutting permit and an ECC before the project can proceed.

Without an ECC, Fifth Avenue cannot be issued a building permit by the Office of the Building Official of the Cebu City.

Jonji Gonzales, the project’s PR consultant, said that as soon as they get the tree-cutting permit, the project would start in two months.

The Province of Cebu, through the Economic Enterprise Council (EEC), has been inquiring about application for ECC and tree-cutting permit in Manila.

This was confirmed by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

Magpale set another meeting with the Fifth Avenue officials, together with Gov. Hilario Davide III and other Capitol officials, to discuss the status of the application.

“On a personal note, I like the concept, I like connecting the culture and the arts,” said Magpale.

Dino was thankful following about Magpale’s comment after his presentation.

In his opening statement during the PB session yesterday, Dino said the project would speak about Cebu, its heritage, its glorious past and its diverse culture.

“I vowed to myself, and I told the planners and designers that I wanted a little slice of Cebu’s history and culture re-vivified for all to admire,” Dino said.

He said that the Ciudad project will bring together the commercial and economic activities that present-day life requires, with all the pulsating activity, as part of an ever-globalizing environment.

The project is expected to generate 3,000 jobs and infuse half a billion pesos into the local economy annually.

The PB, meanwhile, wanted to review the contract entered into by Garcia.

Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, who chairs the PB committee on provincial and municipal properties, said there may be some unmet provisions that  caused the delay of the project.

“There is a need to mutually review the provisions stated in the contract,” Sanchez told The FREEMAN.   

Gonzales said that there’s no need to enter into another contract and memorandum of agreement for the project.

He clarified that initial requirements from the city government were already met such as the location clearance, which is needed for the ECC application.  

The estranged relationship between Garcia and then Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña caused the delay of the Ciudad project.

The City Council also issued a moratorium to any development in the Banilad-Talamban area, which greatly affected the project.

Gov. Davide, an ally of Osmeña, was part of the City Council during the passage of the ordinance. -/LPM  (FREEMAN)