MAYOR KRISTINE Vanessa T. Chiong said the Naga City government plans to convert the 25,000-hectare Balili Resort into an industrial or economic zone once it completes the purchase of the property from the Cebu provincial government. Ms. Chiong, speaking on Tuesday during the 10th cityhood anniversary of Naga, said Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III has verbally approved the proposed purchase. “Kulang ta’g (We lack) development. We need an additional area to accommodate further development,” Ms. Chiong said. If the parties strike a deal, it would be the second major provincial government property bought under the administration of former governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia that would be disposed of under Mr. Davide’s leadership. Last month, Mr. Davide signed a contract to sell the Cebu International Convention Center to the Mandaue City government for P300 million. Ms. Chiong said the city government is now taking measures to convince the provincial board to give the governor authority to enter into a contract with the city. The provincial government under Ms. Garcia purchased the Balili lots in 2008 for P98 million. Later, it was found that some portions of the property were submerged in seawater. — The Freeman

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR