Taculing is it.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday signed Executive Order No. 6 ordering the construction of a city government center in Brgy. Taculing, Bacolod City.

The Executive Order is based on Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 96 dated Jan. 26, 2006, "declaring the inadequacy of the present City Hall site and declaring the need for a another site to augment the present site. "

Leonardia also furnished yesterday the SP a copy of the order, including the final report of the City Hall Committee recommending the city-owned lot in Brgy. Taculing, with an approximate area of 5 hectares as the site of the proposed government center.

In recommending the Taculing lot over other properties offered either for sale or donation, the committee headed by City Administrator Lorendo Dilag, based its decision on the criteria of accessibility, minimal cost of development, substantial area, availability of transportation and communication facilities, proximity to government offices and other relevant considerations.

Leonardia said that, based on the Local Government Code of 1991, when the move is for the transfer of the seat of government of a local government unit, a public hearing is required and a vote of two-thirds of all the members of the SP. However, when the move is for the establishment of a government center, there is even no need for any legislative action, he said.

Leonardia said that, after the SP had declared the need for a new government center, he can now exercise his prerogative to choose what he believes is the best site for such a project. He said this will go through the SP and it will be the body to give him the authority to avail of a loan or to pass an appropriation ordinance for the construction of the government center.

In choosing the Taculing site, Leonardia said, he believes the principle to be applied is "let us not make the people go to the government, but let the government go to the people."

Leonardia said the city will retain the public use and services of the present City Hall since the property has a conditional donation. He said this means that the City Mayor's Office and other offices will be retained but the bulk of the services will be done in the new government center.

During a caucus with the SP members yesterday, Leonardia appealed for their cooperation so they could construct the government center, which he said, would be a fitting gift and legacy for the people of Bacolod. He said their target is to have the project ready before their term ends.

Leonardia said he foresees that the construction of a new government center in Taculing will somehow upgrade the value of the properties in the area and will improve the vicinity. "I predict some of it will become commercial areas, and that will still benefit the city," he said.

Dilag said the city can also improve the roads and construct arterial roads along the Taculing site.*CGS

back to top