Capitol eyes mega food hub in Naga, sports hub in Bogo

Local

JUST weeks after unveiling a large-scale mixed-use government estate in southern Cebu, the provincial government is already revising key components of the project, including the possible relocation of its sports hub to northern Cebu.

The Cebu Provincial Government confirmed that the 45-hectare Balili estate in Naga City is undergoing adjustments following ongoing discussions with project partner MTD Philippines Inc.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the sports hub is being considered for transfer to Bogo City as part of the recalibrated master plan.

“There could be a big possibility nga ang atong sports hub sa Bogo because actually nag tabi mi sa MTD, gusto sad nila nga naay airport,” Baricuatro said.

She added that related infrastructure plans are also being explored in northern Cebu, including a proposed airport development in Medellin.

Officials said the adjustments are being made in response to coordination with local government units and evolving priorities for the site.

The revision comes after Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong reportedly expressed preference for using the Balili property primarily as an economic zone intended to generate employment opportunities.

“Lisod sad kaayo nga magbutang tag project nga dili agreeable ang LGU and it's not my style to impose on them,” Baricuatro said.

Provincial officials said the development approach is being aligned with local government priorities to ensure smoother implementation of major infrastructure projects.

Despite the planned changes, the provincial government confirmed that the Mega Food Hub will remain in Naga City as a non-negotiable component of the estate.

“Basta ang Mega Food Hub has to be there, non-negotiable jud na,” the governor said.

The Mega Food Hub, which carries a proposed P1-billion allocation from the Department of Agriculture, is envisioned as a first-of-its-kind facility outside Luzon focused on food distribution and post-harvest services.

The Balili estate project was originally launched through a memorandum of understanding signed on May 19 between the provincial government and MTD Philippines Inc.

It covers about 45 hectares of provincial land and was initially designed as an integrated development intended to centralize government services, boost economic activity, and strengthen food security systems in the province.

Earlier plans outlined a satellite provincial government center that would consolidate frontline services in one location, alongside a sports and economic hub featuring stadium and aquatics facilities.

The master plan also included food security infrastructure such as a fish port, cold storage, processing facilities, and an agri-trade center.

The development blueprint further integrated transport terminals, including a ferry terminal and public utility vehicle hub, as well as renewable energy and utility systems such as water supply, desalination, and sewage treatment facilities.

A waterfront civic and commercial area was also part of the initial concept to support mixed-use growth.

Project proponents earlier clarified that the agreement remains a non-binding framework subject to feasibility studies, technical assessments, and procurement processes under public-private partnership rules.(MyTVCebu)