Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. presented to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. his plan to establish a smart and green regional government center in the province during the Regional Development Council VI meeting hosted by the Iloilo provincial government on February 13, 2025 at the Casa Real de Iloilo.
In an interview with RMN Iloilo, Governor Defensor said the building, which will be located in the municipality of Santa Barbara, will serve as a one-stop shop for national government agencies offering frontline services and will provide easier access to government facilities among the transacting public.
“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 that President Marcos was “very receptive” of his proposal as he recognizes that the facility is a vital structure in streamlining government services in the region. The proposal also received a backing from the Regional Development Council.
“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, ginarecognize sang Presidente nga maayo ini nga project kag kinahanglan ini sang Region VI,” he added.
The provincial government has already requested P500 million from the Office of Special Assistant to the President Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr as funding support. Senator Bong Revilla also committed P100 million additional fund.
“We want to work with the national government in presenting the plan to them and completing the detailed engineering design. And of course for funding commitment so that we will have substantial funds if we want to start the project,” the governor said.
The proposed 4-storey multipurpose building will be located in a 5.56-hectare property owned by the provincial government in Santa Barbara.
As a smart and green facility, it will feature an eco-park and training center, sports and recreation area including a stadium, integrated emergency response station, and commercial area, among others.
The construction of a government center is part of Governor Defensor’s development thrust under “MoRProGRes Iloilo” which is to create growth centers outside the city to stimulate socio-economic growth.
It is located in a strategic location as it is near Iloilo City and the Iloilo International Airport and a 30-minute drive from the Dumangas Port.
“Development is migrating out of Iloilo City. We also want to help in the congestion and we want to create a growth center in the province that will support the economy of the city,” Defensor said.
#MoRProGResILOILO
📷: PIA Western Visayas