The Cebu Provincial Government has formally responded to findings from the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding three completed infrastructure projects with a combined cost of P50.4 million that have remained unused for years. Provincial Administrator Joseph “Ace” Durano, in a statement on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, attributed the prolonged non-utilization to natural calamities and ongoing coordination with national agencies.
Earthquake Prompts Temporary Use of Training Center
Durano explained that the Cebu Provincial Skills Training Center in Naga City, completed in 2018 at a cost of P16.33 million, is now serving a critical purpose. Following a request from Mayor Valdemar Chiong, the facility is being used as a temporary school for the Inayagan National High School. The school's buildings were damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on September 30.
This arrangement has allowed more than 800 students to hold classes in a single location, eliminating the need for shifting schedules that were implemented due to limited space. The Provincial Government is now in the process of formalizing this use of the facility.
National Agencies Vie for Use of Bahay Pag-asa
Meanwhile, the Bahay Pag-asa for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in Naga, completed in 2020 for P8.69 million, has been the subject of requests from two national agencies. Durano stated that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) asked to use it as a rehabilitation center, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sought to utilize it as a juvenile facility.
The PDEA's request was specifically prompted by the absence of a Provincial Government-run rehabilitation facility. Governor Gwendolyn "Gwen" Garcia is open to both options, and a process is underway to determine which agency will ultimately use the building. Durano assured that regardless of the decision, the Provincial Government will be responsible for improving the facility.
Dormitory and Broader Plan for Idle Assets
For the Cebu Provincial Dormitory in Cebu City, completed in 2019 at a cost of P24.95 million, Durano said the property is considered dormant. Its utilization was set to be discussed in an Economic Enterprise Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Provincial Economic Enterprise Office head Paulo Uy is tasked with managing such idle assets.
Durano emphasized that an inventory of idle provincial properties is being prepared so they can be put to productive use. Any final decision on the use of these properties, including whether to allocate funds for improvements or lease them out, must be approved by the council.
The COA's 2024 audit report had flagged these three projects for remaining unused between five and seven years after completion, violating regulations on the efficient use of public resources. An ocular inspection in July 2024 found all buildings idle and showing signs of deterioration. As of June 30, 2024, the facilities had already incurred depreciation exceeding P8.4 million, roughly 20% of their total construction cost. COA had directed provincial officials to explain the delays or submit turnover documents, warning that the idling undermines project objectives and deprives the public of intended services.
