A new city hall complex worth PHP1 billion will soon rise in Valencia City, Bukidnon, following its groundbreaking inauguration on Thursday, marking a major infrastructure milestone for the province’s economic and commercial hub.

In a message, Mayor Amie Galario said the building complex will become the new center for efficient public service that adapts to modern trends in innovation and technology.

“Today, we celebrate the first step in making a better future for our local government unit,” she said.

Located along the Diversion Road in Barangay Bagontaas, the new city hall was funded through the local government’s PHP2.7 billion loan from Land Bank of the Philippines, as part of the LGU’s infrastructure and economic development plan. The loan is currently being processed, it’s approval expected by July or August this year .

Architect John Malaya of the City Engineering Office said the complex will be erected on a 5-hectare property and will include executive and legislative offices, as well as public service areas and civic spaces.

He said the buildings are designed based on contemporary modern architecture and sustainable, climate-responsive principles. The facilities will also adhere to energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible building features.

Valencia City, known as the “City of Golden Harvest,” is widely regarded as Bukidnon’s economic and commercial center, producing rice, corn, and high-value crops such as pineapple and banana. The city’s approved annual budget for 2026 stands at PHP2.725 billion, with locally generated revenues accounting for PHP476.24 million.

The city is also pursuing highly urbanized city status, which would make it Bukidnon’s first and Mindanao’s seventh highly urbanized city. Galario said Valencia already meets the two primary qualifications — population of at least 223,000 residents and an annual income far beyond the PHP250 million threshold required under the Local Government Code .

Once the new city hall is completed and government offices have relocated, the city plans to lease out the current city hall building to private companies or utilize it for the education sector to generate additional revenue.

The infrastructure push comes as Bukidnon prepares for the opening of the PHP2.8 billion Bukidnon Domestic Airport in neighboring Don Carlos, which is targeted for commercial operations by December 2026 following a successful test landing in January. The airport is expected to boost regional connectivity, improve logistics and create more economic opportunities for the landlocked province. (PNA)