MORE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AT CBD II SEEN: Naga opens linkages for new PPP project

By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY --- The local government unit here is pushing for a public-private partnership to develop a city-owned property for UV Express and Public Utility Jeepney terminal for eastbound routes within the Central Business District II. City Ordinance 2017-088 authored by City Councilor Joselito S.A. Del Rosario, which was enacted on November 28, this year, provides for the terms of reference for the lease, development, and utilization of the 4,920 square-meter parcel of land, which is part of the 7,000 square meter property owned by the city government in Barangay Lerma. The site is near the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum and beside the Naga City Technology Park that currently houses the Concentrix and IBM business process outsourcing (call center) operations. In last Tuesday’s regular session, Del Rosario also sponsored a resolution authorizing Mayor John G. Bongat to negotiate for the acquisition of the road lot that will serve as egress for passenger vehicles coming in and out of the proposed terminal. Del Rosario’s resolution was approved on the same day he presented the proposition. The proposed terminal will cater to UV Express and PUJs plying the eastbound routes, which include Legazpi, Iriga and Tabao cities and the towns of Daraga in Albay and Nabua, Lagonoy, Buhi, Sabang (San Jose), Balatan, Pili, and Bula, all in Camarines Sur. “The executive department is now in full swing regarding the realization of this ordinance,” Del Rosario said. The establishment of a terminal for eastbound passenger vehicles has been dreamed for over 11 years now and it was only now that an ordinance was passed and approved, giving hope towards final realization of the project. According to the ordinance, interested investors will be granted a period of 25 years to lease, develop, and utilize the property, which contract will be renewable for another 25 years under mutually agreed terms. Construction on all portions of the leased property must commence within a month from the date of ratification of the lease contract by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and must be completed in 9 months from such commencement, provided that the Sanggunian will ratify the lease contract only when each and all of the households currently occupying the 4,920 sq. meter property shall have been properly relocated. Development strategy The development of the property, the ordinance said, will be guided by an integrated coliseum-terminal site development scheme that will spur other economic-and-income-generating opportunities, like the spawning of medium-rise residential projects in adjoining properties. The terminal facility will provide a buffer green space, comfort rooms for male and female and differently-able passengers; parking spaces, including slots for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other mandated facilities and amenities. The project includes the construction of multi-storey building whose entire ground floor will be allocated for public use and function for the eastbound UV Express and PUJ Terminal, which is under the operational control and/or supervision of the city government without paying any fee to the investor. The upper floors, on the other hand, will be exclusively for private use by the investor. Sole proprietorship, partnerships or corporations that are duly organized under Philippine laws are eligible to bid.