ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government has broken ground for a nearly P30-million five-storey government building designed to decongest the Iloilo City Business Center, improve frontline public services, and strengthen disaster response operations, with Mayor Raisa Treñas directing officials to complete the project within one year.
The first phase of the multi-purpose building in Barangay Arsenal-Aduana, City Proper carries an initial allocation of P29,992,431.70. Once completed, it will become the permanent home of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Liga ng mga Barangay–City Proper District while providing additional space for community programs, trainings, and emergency response activities.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Treñas challenged the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to finish construction within the project’s 365-day timetable.
“I am requesting our City Engineer’s Office and the Office of the Building Official to complete this project within one year so that our employees and the public can immediately benefit from this facility,” Treñas said.
The mayor said the new government facility is intended to bring essential services closer to residents while easing congestion at existing city offices.
“This building will strengthen the delivery of public services, provide a permanent home for essential offices, and serve as a venue for community activities, trainings, and disaster response. We continue to invest in infrastructure that directly benefits Ilonggo families and barangays,”” she added.
The five-storey structure will feature office spaces on most floors, while the fourth floor will house a function hall for meetings, trainings, and other government activities.
City Engineer Mavi Gustilo expressed confidence that contractor JS Layson Construction could meet the one-year completion target if weather conditions remain favorable.
“I believe the contractor can finish the project within the prescribed timeline, especially if we continue to experience favorable weather conditions during construction,” Gustilo said.
She said the city would still require an additional P15 million to P20 million after the completion of the first phase to finance finishing works, including painting and other remaining components, before the building becomes fully operational.
City officials said the project forms part of the local government’s continuing infrastructure program aimed at enhancing the delivery of social and community services for Ilonggos./PN
