CEBU CITY (Jan. 30, 2024) – Business tycoon Hans Sy contemplates to “adopt” the Mahiga Creek and put up projects that can help solve the city’s flooding problem, according to Mayor Mike Rama.
Rama said he has tasked Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) board chairman Melquiades Feliciano to discuss with Sy on how he plans to rollout the projects at the waterway.
He said Sy expressed interest to adopt the Mahiga Creek after a business trip to Singapore last week.
“Because of that meeting and ocular inspection, Gen. Feliciano who is in charge of water had a discussion with Hans Sy in adopting Mahiga Creek,” Rama said in his Ingna’ng Mayor program over Sugboanon Channel.
“I am of the assumption (that Sy committed) as far as Mel Feliciano is concerned,” he added.
The mayor’s delegation and Sy visited Singapore’s National Water Agency and Coastal Protection Agency to learn water sustainability.
The host brought the group to the Marina Barrage, a dam that serves as water storage, flood control, and recreation for Singapore residents.
Rama said Sy is interested on how the city and his company can come up with their own version of the Marina Barrage and apply it to help solve the city’s flooding problem.
He said Sy is committed to invest in the the project as it would also mean good business for him.
Sy is the fourth child of the late Henry Sy, founder of the SM Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the country.
The tycoon is the former president and current director of SM Prime, a property developer under SM Investments that operates SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City in this city.
Rama assured that Sy is not after an immediate recoupment of investments if he proceeds with his plan.
“Whatever will be invested, years from now, dili man na mawala ang SM. There might be some recoupment of investment,” he said.
Other activities
Rama and his team also visited the Philippine Embassy in Singapore to get insights on Singapore’s solid waste management.
He also revealed that Singapore officials are set to visit the city to share insights with his team.
In a press conference on Monday, Jan. 29, Rama said he also got to welcome the pilgrim image of the Sto. Niño during its visit in Singapore at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Siglap Hill.
Priests of the Order of St. Augustine and members of the Confradia del Sto. Niño accompanied the pilgrim image. | PPRMN / jkv / reypas
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