BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The soon to be realized Silay City “Capitol” with a budget of P1 billion is a dream come true for Silaynons, declared Mayor Mark Andrew Golezyesterday.
Through the unity and cooperation of all Silaynons, we will be able to make our dream a reality by constructing a new Capitol, Golez said.
Definitely, there will be a new town that will be built along this City Hall, he added.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, Golez, Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma and Michael Anthony Jalandoni Valderama, representing the family of Claudio Lopez, who donated the six-hectare site for the new government center, led the groundbreaking rites at Hacienda Maquina in Brgy. Rizal, Silay City.
This remarkable structure is a symbol and a steadfast reminder of the continual progress happening in our City, Golez said.
With the construction of our new Silay City Capitol, it will surely spur growth and development in the area. It will increase the value of properties of the LGU (Local Government Unit) of Silay City, and its surrounding properties, which in return, will build our economy, as well as offer convenience and comfort to the public, he further said.
The new Capitol site is also intended for new public transport terminal, and integrated local and national government offices to serve as official venue for the performance and rendition of government functions and programs, Golez also said.
This kind and generous support coming from the private sector inspires us in government service to do even more for our people, and our community, he stressed.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Silay City already passed a resolution granting authority for Golez to contract a P1 billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
Based on the contract signed between Golez and the site donor of Silay City Capitol, the construction should be completed within a period of four years.
It is a design and build concept, with a touch of Silay heritage, he added, apparently referring to the new Capitol.
Golez said that he is aiming completion before his terms as mayor of Silay City ends in 2025, should he win in the May 9 elections, of which he is optimistic.
Lacson, on the other hand, congratulated Silaynons, under the leadership of Mayor Golez, for the groundbreaking rites of new Silay City Capitoland also thanked the Jalandoni family for their continued generosity.
As the world continues to change, the role of government must also evolve according to the needs of the time. If there is anything recent events have emphasized, it is the need for proper planning, monitoring and coordination of the government actions, he said.
Lacson added that the necessity of the whole government approach and the exigency of systematic response prove the need for an improved and more equipped seat of government.
This development will not only provide better services but will also stir a new growth area for the city, and of course, is a tangible representation of the city’s pride and progress, he further said.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, Board Member Ryan Gamboa, members of the Silay City Council, Rizal barangay chairman Julius Cordero, Liga ng Barangay president Henry Belleza and other barangay captains also witnessed the activity.*
