Guv Gwen defends move to transfer Capitol to Balamban

Local

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has defended her decision to relocate the Cebu Provincial Capitol from Cebu City to Balamban town, arguing that the move would decentralize economic growth and address persistent misconceptions about the province’s jurisdiction.

On Thursday, March 20, Garcia said the Capitol’s presence in Cebu City has led foreign investors and dignitaries to mistakenly equate the city with the entire province.

She stressed that Cebu City operates independently from the province, with its residents not participating in provincial elections.

Garcia cited instances where international meetings reinforced this confusion, including one where a former Korean head of state mistakenly believed Cebu City governed the entire province.

She emphasized that transferring the Capitol to Balamban would make the provincial government more accessible to its constituents while promoting balanced development across Cebu.

She described Balamban as strategically located in central Cebu, with connectivity through the Antonio y de Pio Highway, which links the northern and southern parts of the island.

“When we transfer the seat of government, so will the opportunity for more growth and development,” Garcia said.

She added that the relocation would attract investments and infrastructure projects to areas that have long been overshadowed by Cebu City.

Balamban, about 52 kilometers west of Cebu City, is already an industrial hub, home to major shipbuilding companies like Tsuneishi Heavy Industries and Austal Philippines.

The relocation plan has financial backing, with the national government allocating P200 million under the 2022 General Appropriations Act and the provincial government committing an additional P500 million.

Garcia also intends to replicate the historical design of the existing Capitol building in Balamban, blending heritage with modernity.

To ensure sustainable development, the provincial government has partnered with urban planner Felino "Jun" Palafox Jr.

The plan includes acquiring 50 hectares around the new Capitol site to house regional offices of national agencies and other provincial departments.

However, the proposal has drawn criticism from environmental groups concerned about its ecological impact. The provincial government has assured stakeholders that the project will comply with environmental regulations.

Opposition also comes from gubernatorial candidate Pamela "Pam" Baricuatro, who called the move logistically impractical and instead proposed improving provincial connectivity through alternative infrastructure projects.(MyTVCebu)