ILOILO – The provincial government, led by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., met with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 to advance discussions on the proposed Smart, Green Government Center in Santa Barbara town.
DPWH-6 director Sanny Boy Oropel reported on the progress of phase 1 of the multi-purpose building, which has been allocated a budget of P100 million under the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
The government center will rise on a 5.56-hectare site in the town’s Barangay Bolong Oeste.
The DPWH, Oropel said, is also preparing detailed engineering and structural designs to ensure the project meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and sustainability.
According to the provincial government, the development is part of a comprehensive plan to position Iloilo as a premier destination in the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
The project includes the construction of four eco-friendly buildings, designed with sustainability in mind. These will feature commercial spaces for business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, accommodation facilities such as a hotel, retail outlets, and a modern stadium capable of hosting large-scale conventions and events.
The new center is likewise envisioned as a centralized hub for government services, aiming to streamline administrative operations and improve public accessibility.
Gov. Defensor emphasized his vision of integrating government offices within a corporate-style complex to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery to the community.
This initiative aligns with the governor’s broader program, “MoRProGRes Iloilo” (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo), which seeks to establish growth centers outside the urban core.
The goal is to stimulate regional development and promote a more balanced economic landscape across the province./PN
