City, DENR to sign MOA for development of Burnham and Gov. Pack Road area

The City Planning and Development Office and City Legal Office are finalizing a memorandum of agreement for the development of an area covering parts of Burnham Park and Gov. Pack Road in the Summer Capital.

CPDO head Donna Rillera-Tabangin said the MOA is between  the city government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional office and is expected to be signed this month.

In the virtual management committee meeting of city officials, Feb. 8, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, she said copies of the agreement will then be furnished to the city council with a request for  authorization.

Tabangin said  the city and DENR aim to improve and redevelop  the area with infrastructure and green spaces that would cater to the needs of the city and its residents.

“These would include a high-density, multi-use area for commercial, parking and transit oriented development as well as pedestrian and green parks,” she disclosed.

Tabangin said that under the MOA, the city will be preparing the development plans according to the highest and best use of the area; do marketing to create interest from private sector entities to participate in the development of the properties probably through Public-Private Partnership modality; preparation, bidding and awarding of contracts; to enjoy the possession and use of the properties; and more.

The obligation of the DENR as the first party to the agreement, she said, is to review and concur with the site development plan for the project; to exercise the right of ownership over the properties  and allow the city (second party) to use these for 25 years renewable for another 25 years by mutual agreement of the parties; and more.

Tabangin said the agreement, among others, also provides for the fair and equitable sharing of profits between the two parties including a third party which is a private sector entity through a PPP modality. – Gaby B. Keith