ILOILO CITY (PIA) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has welcomed the proposal of the Iloilo provincial government to construct a smart and green regional government center in the province, which will serve as a one-stop-shop for national government agencies to provide essential services, and improving access for the public.
This was confirmed by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. as the President joined their meeting with the Regional Development Council (RDC) during his visit in Iloilo, acknowledging the vital impact of the facility for enhancing government service delivery in the region.
“This is the first time since I took office that the President himself listened to our proposal. He was very receptive, and along with the Council, he recognizes that this project is important and necessary for Region VI,” Defensor said, noting that the plan also got support from the council.
“We want to collaborate with the national government to present the plan, complete the detailed engineering design, and secure funding so that we can begin the project,” he added.
The provincial government already requested P500 million from the Office of Special Assistant to the President Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr. for funding, while Senator Bong Revilla pledged an extra P100 million.
The proposed 4-story multipurpose building will be constructed on a 5.56-hectare property owned by the provincial government in Santa Barbara town, wherein it will also feature an eco-park, a training center, sports and recreation areas with a stadium, an integrated emergency response station, and a commercial zone.
The government center is part of Defensor’s development initiative under his “MoRProGRes Iloilo,” campaign, which aims to create growth hubs outside the city, promoting socio-economic development.
“Development is moving beyond Iloilo City. We also want to ease congestion and create a growth center in the province to boost the city’s economy,” Defensor said. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
