Capitol Grants 50-year Usufruct for Marina 7’s Building

The Cebu provincial government has granted a 50-year usufruct for a 2,000-square meter lot in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City on which the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) 7 will build its own four-story building.

The usufruct agreement was signed by Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Marina Administrator Maximo Mejia Jr.

This will be the first Marina regional office to be built in the country, as regional offices usually lease.

The usufruct agreement is renewable for another 50 years “subject to agreement of both parties.”

“The Marina shall take possession of the above described property within one year from the signing hereof and shall undertake the construction of its regional office and other facilities within two years from the execution of this contract of usufruct,” the contract reads.

If Marina fails to follow this provision, the contract will be automatically terminated without further notice by the provincial government.

Davide said Angkla Party-list Rep. Jesulito Manalo has secured Php 65 million from the national budget to build the Marina 7 office.

Davide said he hopes seafarers will no longer have to travel to Manila to process and follow up papers.

He said the groundbreaking may happen in the first quarter of next year.

With the new building, Manalo said, seafarers will save on transportation costs and will have more time with their loved ones.

He said the Marina 7 issued 100,000 seafarers identification books in the last four years.

Manalo said close to 20,000 maritime students graduate in seven maritime schools in the province every year, justifying the need for Marina 7’s own building in Cebu. (PNA) RMA/EB/EDS