The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental yesterday passed a resolution creating a task force that will negotiate with the Philippine National Bank in Bacolod City, for the use of its vacant space, by three Capitol departments.

The decision was made after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Finance recommended that, instead, of allocating P50 million for the construction of a three-storey Provincial Administration Center annex building, as proposed by Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr., the provincial government will negotiate with PNB, that stands on Capitol property, to utilize its empty spaces.

Board Member Salvador Escalante, who chairs the Finance committee, said they decided to look for an alternative, as they find reasonable to spend less for renovation, instead of the requested amount.

Escalante said the proposed PAC annex building was set to house the Provincial Environment and Management Office, and offices of Bids and Awards Committee and the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Care Program.

The PEMO building is located on the 40,481 square-meter lot, that is included in the lease contract with Ayala Land Inc. while the NOCHP and BAC offices are located at the old PAC building.

In renting spaces at the PNB building, Escalante said 50 percent of the rental fee will go back to the government.

The task force, which will represent the provincial government in the negotiation, is composed of the chairman and vice-chairman of the SP committee on Finance, with representatives from the Provincial Legal Office, General Services Office and Provincial Assessor’s Office, Escalante also said. * GPB

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