The city hall building of General Santos City (PNA GenSan file photo)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The city government is pushing for the implementation of some PHP71 million worth of projects in line with the continuing aesthetic enhancement and greening of the local government center and nearby areas.
Allan Marcilla, head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, said Tuesday they are working on the release of additional funding to continue with the implementation of the city’s walkable government center project and start within the year the Queen Tuna park redevelopment project.
He said the national government, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), has allotted some PHP21 million for the second phase and PHP28 million for the third phase of the local government center enhancement.
The project’s initial phase, implemented through a PHP35-million grant from DBM, was completed early this year.
“We’re hoping to access the funding for the second phase this year and the third phase next year,” he said in a presentation to the city council.
Marcilla said the first phase covered the construction of parking spaces and persons with disabilities or PWD-friendly perimeter pathways in the oval plaza.
He said the next two phases of the project will mainly focus on the development of the oval plaza grounds, which includes the installation of a “tri-people” monument and the construction of paved pathways.
They will also put up green spaces at the site and other necessary improvements as part of its aesthetic component, he said.
For the Queen Tuna park, Marcilla said the local government, through the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, has allotted an initial PHP22 million for its redevelopment.
The project includes the construction of a bay walk, recreation and activity areas, parking spots, and other amenities, he said.
He said the project design recently underwent revisions and is now being finalized by the City Engineer’s Office.
“The program of work is now being prepared and we’re expecting the start of the bidding process soon,” Marcilla said.
The two projects are included in the city’s beautification and greening masterplan, which aims to enhance the city’s “aesthetic environment” and at the same time help mitigate the impact of global warming and climate change.
These were under the parks and plazas, road islands, and rotunda enhancement and development component.
The plan is in line with the city’s vision to become “the green city of the south” while maintaining its status as a business and investment hub.(PNA)
