Attacks on gov't center
title scared investors, donors say
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

The donors of the 5-hectare property for the Bacolod City Government Center turned over its title to the city during the Charter Day rites at the government center yesterday, finally ending a controversy due to politics that had been raised against it.

While the matter was being resolved, however, the family incurred losses of about P150 million in three years, in terms of opportunity lost due to the negative reports involving the title of the property.

During a press conference held at Business Inn yesterday, Gina Piccio, president of the Fernando F. Gonzaga and Angela Estate, said that, for three years, they could not sell their properties because they were ashamed of the controversy involving the land title of the government center lot.

The Bacolod City government honored its outstanding citizens and taxpayers for their invaluable contribution to the community during the 71 st Charter Day program at the Bacolod City Government Center yesterday with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita as keynote speaker.

The Banwahanon awardees are Francisco Cruz, Maria Dolores Ramos and Milagros Ong.

Cruz was cited for his selfless and free legal service extended to the poor and his vigilance and devotion to the practice of law for over 40 years, while Ong was cited for her generosity of time, talent and treasure that benefit the poor and the community, especially the disadvantage and the abandoned.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita yesterday challenged Bacoleños to include in their achievements a yearning to reach out and ease the lives of people in Luzon and in Metro Manila who have been waylaid by the two typhoons that visited the country.

Ermita, who was keynote speaker during the 71 st Charter Day rites at the Bacolod City Government Center , lauded the achievements and gains of the city.

He also described the government center as a structure which should be the envy of other local governments everywhere since it symbolizes the capacity of a people to dream and realize that dream, no matter what the hurdles are.