Naga’s P38-M ‘centro’ redev’t works reel off

By Jason B. Neola

Two redevelopment works amounting to P38 million have started to reel off early this week at the Central Business District 1 of Naga City immediately after the city government has underscored their importance during the unveiling of computer-aided design photos depicting them as completed projects.

The twin projects – the pedestrianization and road asphalting at the city’s major business zone– were funded by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the amount of P18 million and P20 million, respectively. They are expected to be completed either by the end of 2021 or the first quarter of 2022.

Mayor Nelson Legacion said the pedestrianization project, which will cover the sidewalks and streetscapes along the streets of General Luna, P. Burgos, Elias Angeles, and Evangelista aims to improve pedestrian mobility and comfort. “Because of well-organized sidewalks, we can provide the public a good walkability and achieve a good flow of pedestrians in that area,” he said.

CENTRO REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Mayor Nelson Legacion (3rd from right) and Vice Mayor Cecilia V. de Asis (3rd from left) lead the unveiling of computer-aided design photographs showing the concept of the pedestrianization project. In attendance during the event were city councilors Salvador Castillo, Kyle Tripulca, Jessie Albeus and Elmer Baldemoro (partly hidden).

The project is expected to bring improved paving, lighting and planting intended to bring pedestrian comfort aside from the designated loading and unloading areas and controlled parking spaces. A bike lane and a special lane for persons with disability (PWDs) and senior citizens will also be put up.

Alec Santos, head of Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office, said the city was able to receive the DBM financial grants because of the city government’s status as recipient of Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). SGH is conferred to LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping specifically in the areas of local legislation, development planning, resource generation, and resource allocation.

Santos recalled that the city government has for several times had to revise its proposal for financial assistance to convince the DBM that the project bears economic and environmental benefit as being espoused by the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) program.

He said the pedestrianization is perceived to improve the area’s attractiveness as a location for businesses, enhances real-estate values and sense of place.

On road asphalting project, which aims to provide the public with safe and convenient roads to spare them from vehicular accidents, covers the J. Hernandez Avenue, and the streets of Zamora, Prieto, P. Burgos, Dimasalang, and Abella.