Rama hits critics at start of CCMC construction

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama hit his critics yesterday as he led the ceremonial pouring of concrete to kick off the construction of the new building for the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

“Naay sigeg pamakak and they really wanted not to have this CCMC rise because when CCMC will not rise, they thought that it’s the end of the political history of Mike Rama. That can never be because CCMC is functioning 100 percent, thanks to the people manning it,” the mayor said.

The hospital’s old building had to be demolished because it was damaged heavily by the earthquake that struck Central Visayas in 2013. The new one is being built on the same site along M. Bacalso Street. 

However, before the “First Concrete Pouring Ceremony” could start, several city councilors walked out of the venue. The activity was scheduled at 11 a.m. but Rama did not arrive on time.

“He is late for an hour ha,” said Councilor Sisinio Andales.

Councilor Nestor Archival said they had no choice but to leave because of a scheduled lunch meeting.

Among those who also left the venue were Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Mary Ann delos Santos, Ma. Nida Cabrera, Lea Japson, and Roberto Cabarrubias.

Standing next to Rama in the ceremonial pouring of concrete were Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, City Engineer Jose Marie Poblete, City Administrator Dr. Lucille Mercado, Councilor Gerardo Carillo, Dr. Shane Espina and his son Arch. Mico Espina, and the contractor executives, Engr. Catalino Padilla with his wife of C.E. Padilla Construction Inc., among others.

Poblete who leads the CCMC special project management team said the first concrete pouring signaled the start of constructing the footing or the groundwork.

Before proceeding to the building’s structural frame, the project team had to hollow out the old foundation of the building and replaced it with piles.

These engineering works cover the first phase of the construction, which is projected to run for one year and nine months. The second phase will cover structural finishing.

The pile driving works alone was intended to make the foundation more stable, in which around 800 piles or cemented posts were installed underground.

With stronger foundation, the project team claimed that the 10-floor building can withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake. —(FREEMAN)