CICC beautification works in full swing

Beautification works within the vicinity of the Cebu International Convention Center are now in full swing especially on the planting of more decorative flowers and other plants on the center island.

During the weekly 888 News Forum at Port Seafood Restaurant yesterday, Mandaue City administrator Serafin Blanco said the postponement of the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit gives them more time to beautify the areas surrounding the CICC.

Blanco said the Mandaue City government is also planning to even allocate more funds for the setting up of streetlights outside the ceremonial routes.

Last week, the city government launched a campaign to re-brand Mandaue City from being called an industrial city to an "emerging" convention capital of Asia. The city government has already put up an international ad on this undertaking.

Blanco also said the city government is now redirecting its zoning and land use plan to compliment with the CICC, which has been surrounded by surplus trading companies and warehouses.

Blanco said the existing investors in the area are more than willing to put up new ventures and investments that will compliment with the CICC such as hotels and casinos and other commercial establishments.

The city is also planning to embark on a 400-hectare reclamation project through which the North Coastal Road will pass. -Gregg M. Rubio