Batac mulls BSP proposed expansion

By Domini B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Batac City—City mayor Albert D. Chua confirmed that Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Batac officials visited him to present their proposed expansion.

Mr. Chua said the proposal states that a BSP branch should have at least 5,000 square meters. Currently the BSP office here sits at 2,200-square meter office.

The neophyte mayor said the proposal will be discussed at the Sangguniang Panlungsod for councilors to have their comments and suggestions on the proposal. He added that the lot expansion could be through donation, deed of usufruct or outright purchase.

Mr. Chua disclosed that there is an empty lot behind the BSP office. He added that the only discussion may be on the agreement between the Batac government—through a council resolution or ordinance—and the BSP.

Earlier, BSP Batac head Buenafe Alinio said that the BSP Monetary Board tackled the possible relocation of BSP Batac to Vigan City in Ilocos Sur.

Ms. Alinio explained that the planned transfer is due to the “booming economic activity” in Vigan. She also explained that coverage-wise, BSP Batac has smaller coverage compared to other BSP branches. Coverage is measured by the number of banks being served.

Ms. Alinio also pointed out that an ideal BSP branch should have at least 5,000-square meter area. The current BSP location was donated by the Batac government.

With the proposal, Ms. Alinio is hopeful that the Batac government would accede tom their request to purchase the lot behind the BSP office here to complete the required 5,000-square meter area.

The Batac BSP head stressed that BSP does not to lease or enter into a contract of usufruct; she said they want to buy the lot.

During the term of former Batac mayor—now vice mayor—Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta, he disapproved BSP’s acquisition of additional lot for their expansion. He said, at that time, that the lot in question has already been tabbed for future use.

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