Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local government has asked Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to help facilitate the speedy release of the funds for the rehabilitation of the sports complex here which was used as refugee center for over 120,000 people displaced by the 2013 rebel siege.
The City Government is also requesting that the P240 million funding identified under the Post Conflict and Needs Assessment (PCNA) be given immediately to allow Zamboanga to implement the rehabilitation project.
Elmeir Apolinario, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and concurrent Assistant City Administrator, said they hope to implement the project.
Based on its timeline, the rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by March 2016. The city hopes to tap at least 8 or 10 contractors to work on the renovation of the sports complex simultaneously to ensure its early completion.
According to Apolinario, the design of the project, specifically the exterior, has been prepared by the United Architects of the Philippines-Zamboanga Chavacano Chapter while the interior design is being prepared by the City Engineer’s Office.
On the other hand, the City has also sought the assistance of Gazmin to help secure the release of the funds for the purchase of the Mindeva property in Rio Hondo where the military base is set to be constructed. The property costs P50 million, but only P35 million is allocated under the PCNA funds.
Gazmin promised to follow up the City’s requests with the concerned agencies in Manila, but he also strongly recommended that the local government sends its requests with all documentary requirements to ensure its early approval and release. (Sheila Covarrubias)
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