ILOILO – The provincial government is seeking financial support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for a world-class convention and events facility envisioned to strengthen Iloilo’s bid to become a leading destination for major national and international gatherings.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. personally presented the proposed facility to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid during a meeting in Metro Manila on Tuesday, July 28.
The convention hub will rise within the Smart Green Government Center being developed on a 6.3-hectare provincial property spanning barangays Bolong Oeste and Inangayan in Santa Barbara.
Its strategic location near the Iloilo International Airport and at the gateway to Iloilo City is expected to make the facility accessible to delegates, tourists and event organizers.
Once completed, the venue is envisioned to host large-scale meetings, conventions, exhibitions and other events, further positioning Iloilo as a premier destination for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
During the meeting, Defensor presented the proposed site and the ongoing development of the government center, which is designed as a modern, sustainable and technology-driven hub for public services.
He was accompanied by Provincial Tourism Officer Aulynn Yue Sin, Acting Provincial Engineer Jeb Escarilla, Acting Provincial Planning and Development Office head Mary Rose Matucan, Public Information and Community Affairs Office chief Jose Nereo Lujan, and Head Executive Assistant Atty. Ruel Von Superio.
The convention facility will form part of the larger government center, which is planned to house national government agencies providing frontline services under a one-stop-shop system.
The complex will also feature an eco-park and training center, sports and recreation facilities including a stadium, an integrated emergency response station, and a commercial area.
Defensor first presented his plan for a smart and green regional government center to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 6 meeting hosted by the provincial government at Casa Real de Iloilo on Feb. 13, 2025.
“We want it to be digitized. And we want government offices in a corporate environment. Ginplastar naton ina sa Presidente kag gin-ayo naton ang bulig sang Presidente mismo kag sang Regional Development Council,” Defensor said.
The governor said Marcos was “very receptive” to the proposal and recognized the project’s importance in streamlining government services in Western Visayas.
“This is the first time halin sang pagpungko ko nga ang Presidente mismo ang nagpamati sang aton plano. And he was very receptive. And together with the Council, gina-recognize sang Presidente nga maayo ini nga project kag kinahanglan ini sang Region 6,” he added.
The proposal has also secured the backing of the RDC-6.
The provincial government earlier requested P500 million in funding support from the Office of Special Assistant to the President Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr./PN
