MALITA, Davao Occidental, Aug 8 -- Davao Occidental Governor Claude Bautista and Vice Governor Franklin Bautista led employees in the flag-raising ceremony to mark the opening of the new capitol building in Malita Tuesday.
Tagged the mini capitol of the newest province of Davao Region, the newly-constructed building is a donation of San Miguel Corporation. It is worth P22 million.
Though small in size, the capitol houses all offices of the provincial executive government. Currently, Gov Bautista and other officials hold office at the municipal town hall in Malita, the hometown of the Bautistas.
The province of Davao Occidental was created thru Republic Act 10360 and adopted by its people on October 28, 2013. Gov. Bautista said the new capitol will only be temporary as the government will be building a government complex within the 30-hectare land.
The 30-hectare provincial complex is donated by Eduardo "Danding" Cojuancgo and the SMC which recently opened its coal-fired power plant in the town. The Bautistas are known supporters of the Cojuangcos who own substantial shares in SMC. SMC remains the biggest investor in the province. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
