CAPIZ – The “People’s Governor” Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras is all set to deliver what would become the biggest convention center in Western Visayas when completed.
With Malacañang’s support, the 5,000-seater Capiz Convention Center is deemed a milestone multipurpose infrastructure designed to, among others, host big events.
Contreras has firmed up preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony of this “People’s Project”.
He has been working for the realization of the project, making representations for support from the Office of the President and private groups.
Noted Capiznon architect Chinky I. Travina of ITL Ignacio Architects has been tapped for the project’s design. The governor, together with Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs chief Alphonsus Tesoro, gave inputs that the lady architect incorporated in the final design.
Contreras told Panay News that the convention center was first envisioned in 2019 as a multipurpose facility for Capiz which is popularly known as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines”. But the governor said the time has now come for the province to be known also for its various physical attractions.
With the Capiz Convention Center, the province would have much more to offer, he stressed.
Previous convention center project discussions saw the full force of provincial officials along with engineers and architects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Also on board were representatives from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Professors’ Driven Pile Institute (PDPI) Structural Consultant, and then Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 director Helen Catalbas.
To be funded by the national government, the Capiz Convention Center will rise on the two-hectare land at Pueblo de Panay in Barangay Lawaan, Roxas City. Governor Contreras thanked Pueblo de Panay for the lot donation.
Provincial and municipal officials similarly expressed support to the project expected to further spur the province’s growth, most especially in the area of tourism.
“Capiz has been hosting conventions for the past 12 years – regional, national and international. The proposed Capiz Convention Center will be a bigger venue for these events,” Tesoro said.
The center may also be utilized as an evacuation center during calamities.
Governor Contreras has vast support for this project, earning him praises a “visionary leader” and an “action man”.
The official candidate of the ruling PDP-Laban party, the reelection bid of Governor Contreras is gathering widespread backing.
“He will continue to take Capiz to new heights with monumental projects like the convention center. And it is only him who is able to bring together the support of the private sector like the Ong family of Pueblo and the United Architects of the Philippines (UA) Capiz for the concept design,” a source said./PN
