One-stop shop destination eyed for new city hall in Carmen

The proposed Cagayan de Oro Government Complex in Barangay Carmen is envisioned as a one-stop government hub that would make transactions more accessible and convenient for clients while reducing lengthy processing times, according to academic researchers who conducted the project’s feasibility study.

The feasibility study was conducted by City College of Cagayan de Oro President Dr. Jestoni Babia and Academic Affairs Vice President Dr. Helmae E. Tapanan.

The study results were presented during a meeting of the committee on laws and rules presided over by Councilor Edgar Cabanlas.

The presentation followed a letter from Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy to the Sangguniang Panlungsod urgently requesting authority to negotiate with a financial institution to fund the proposed project, amounting to ₱8.49 billion.

Babia said the proposed relocation represents a shift from the city’s fragmented government setup and its 85-year-old City Hall toward a modern, citizen-centered, and disaster-resilient government hub.

He also said the proposed City Hall transfer received 89% public approval based on a survey of 2,673 respondents from the city’s 80 barangays.

Tapanan, meanwhile, said some respondents described their transaction experience as “playing ping-pong” because of lengthy processing times and the need to visit multiple offices for a single transaction, sometimes requiring them to return on different days.

In addition to improving the transaction experience, relocating could help reduce urban congestion, provide ample parking for clients and employees, make offices more spacious, create a dedicated area for records archives, and offer flood immunity because it's in the city’s uptown area.

The study also found that maintenance and repair costs at the present City Hall location are high, which researchers said could result in savings if government offices are transferred to the proposed complex.

Councilor Des Dahino described the one-stop shop and reduced transaction hours as selling points for clients but also recommended improvements in technology, staffing, and accountability.

Minority Floor Leader Councilor Aga Suan asked whether the feasibility study had been reviewed by an independent body to ensure the validity of its data and findings.

In response, Babia said the researchers invited representatives from various sectors, including the Chamber of Commerce, as well as entities outside the local government, to help assess the validity and reliability of the study.

Tapanan added that several statisticians and data analysts were also invited to analyze the data.

Councilor Marlo Tabac raised concerns about the city’s capacity to meet its existing and proposed loan obligations and maintain financial reserves for unforeseen circumstances.

The researchers, together with Acting City Treasurer Joanna Marie Sanz, assured the council that the city has the capacity to meet its existing loan obligations and to address unforeseen financial needs, citing the stress test results and the increase in the city’s National Tax Allotment (NTA).

At the meeting’s conclusion, 12 majority-floor councilors voted in favor of the request, while Suan voted against it and Councilor Yvy Emano abstained. (PGU/SP)