Group formed to evaluate controversial Balili property

Local

A TECHNICAL working group (TWG) has been created by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro to evaluate the Balili property in the City of Naga.

Through Executive Order No. 52, Baricuato established the TWG to evaluate portions of the provincially owned lot, following the City Government of Naga’s manifestation to use and/or acquire a portion of the subject lot.

“The Provincial Government recognizes the need to ensure that any proposed disposition, transfer, usufruct, lease and other forms of utilization of provincial property is consistent with the law, financially advantageous to the Province, and supportive of provincial development objectives,” read Baricuato’s order issued on Sept. 23.

The TWG’s task is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the property, including verification of technical descriptions, boundaries, existing improvements, and current utilization; and determine the exact land areas requested by the City Government of Naga and evaluate its compatibility with existing programs and projects of the province.

The TWG will also check the property’s legal status, including its ownership, title, restrictions, and requirements for its use and sale; assess the property’s value and financial impact, including possible costs or revenues from the transaction; evaluate the possible environmental, agricultural, food security, and socio-economic effects of the proposed use or acquisition.

The group will also check if the proposal aligns with provincial and local development plans and policies; recommend an appropriate arrangement if it fits for lease, usufruct, sale, transfer or joint undertaking; set conditions to protect the province’s interest; consult concerned stakeholders and submit recommendations to the Governor and Economic Enterprise Council (EEC) for appropriate action.

Part of the TWG is Provincial Administrator Ace Durano. Vce-chairman is Board Member Stanley Caminero, who is also the chairman of the Committee on Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Other members of the TWG are provincial legal officers, provincial assessor, PENRO, head of the Provincial Investment and Promotions Division, Provincial Planning and Development Officer, and Board Member Raymond Joseph Caldron, who also chairs the Committee on Provincial/Municipal Properties of the provincial board.

The TWG is expected to submit its joint evaluation and recommendation report to the Office of the Governor within 60 days.

The Cebu Provincial Government owns the 25-hectare Balili property, which became controversial during the administration of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia when it was found that a portion of the property is partly underwater.

The city government of Naga has expressed interest in the property for its public service purpose.

Earlier this year, Baricuatro received a proposal for the construction of an international sports complex that can host various activities.(MyTVCebu)