Ciudad developer to start project before month end

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman) Updated July 15, 2011 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines - Following the proclamation of Cebu as the “Asean City of Culture,” the developer of the “controversial” Ciudad project announced that it is ready to take advantage of Cebu’s positioning by starting the P1.2 billion project.

“When we finish all the necessary paper works then we will have the go signal to start by the end of this month after having been delayed for five years now,” said Fifth Avenue Public Relations Consultant Jonji Gonzales.

The Ciudad project is spearheaded by Cebuano businessman Michael Dino, president and chief executiveofficer of Fifth Avenue.

The company will make Ciudad project the first commercial and heritage center in Cebu.

The project is being put on hold following a moratorium by the Cebu City Government citing possible traffic congestion along the Banilad-Talamban area.

To address traffic concerns in the area, the company said it will build roads and widen existing ones for free.

The Ciudad project will include a three-story museum, department store, food outlets and restaurants. He said occupants will adhere to the Spanish inspired concept and its employees will dress according to the period they represent, Gonzales said.

“We are all excited to see the completion of this project by the end of this year since this will strengthen Cebu’s image as the Asean City of Culture,” Gonzales told reporters in an interview.

According to Gonzales, Ciudad project will also help promote tourism as it would also showcase historical destinations in Cebu including Spanish-inspired houses of Carcar, Cebu, among others.

He emphasized that the local government is also set to gain from the project as it will generate an estimated 2,800 jobs and earn a potential annual income share of P300 million.

The profit can be used to fund projects that will benefit Cebuanos like health care and education, among others, he added.

He added that with Cebu being an Asean City of Culture, a designation given in appreciation of Cebu’s creative industries, Ciudad will enhance Cebu’s image not only as the country’s top vacation destination but also a center for design, culture and arts.

Cebu City was recently declared as part of the ASEAN City of Culture, by the ASEAN Ministers of Culture, along with the cities of Vigan and Manila. (FREEMAN)