The seat of the provincial government of Negros Occidental may soon be transferred to Talisay City.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed yesterday that they are considering the transfer of the seat of power to a 25-hectare property it purchased several years ago in Brgy. Matab-ang, Talisay City.
“We just realized that, if we continue building the new provincial government office here in the area of North Capitol Road, it will be so crowded already,” Lacson said, as he anticipates the problem with parking, noting also that it is behind a commercial building.
As planned by the previous administration, the new Provincial Administration Center will be constructed on a 16,000 square-meter lot, in front of the National Bureau of Investigation building, with a budget of P900 million.
Lacson said the idea of transferring the seat of the provincial government to Talisay City, has cropped up last year, and some local chief executives expressed support to it. Such plan was also entertained during the administration of the late Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.
Lacson said the present site of PAC has no more areas for growth center.
But the 25-hectare property purchased by the provincial government in Talisay City can also be used by government regional offices.
As to the budget, Lacson said they will use the existing P900 million allotted for the new PAC, and will ask the contractor and the Provincial Engineering Office to make a computation of additional expenses, if it will be built in the new site.
Asked on how soon the transfer of the provincial government seat to Talisay City will be, Lacson replied, “If we can decide to really move, we will start next year.”
But Lacson said he will also consult the business sector about the plan.
He added the old provincial Capitol building will be maintained for special functions. “I am sure this will be put to good use,” he added. – GB
