ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is open to redeveloping the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City through public-private partnership (PPP).
According to the governor, a huge budget is allotted by the provincial government for the facility’s maintenance, so it is reasonable to have it redeveloped into a world-class arena capable of hosting international sports events.
The sports complex is currently underutilized and can only be fully used during events by the Barangay Health Workers (BWHs) or as a campaign rally venue during an election.
“Indi man gid damo ang gamit sina adlaw-adlaw, mapuno ta man lang na sia kon ara da ang BHWs kag kon may rally dira kon election. So again, it does not earn money. We spent a lot on maintenance, it looks like something that is very good for a PPP…We need a world-class arena here in the province and city of Iloilo,” said Defensor.
The governor wants the provincial government to retain its ownership for state colleges and universities to use it as well.
Housing sports programs should also carry on under the PPP scheme, stated Defensor.
However, the governor clarifies that this is a very premature plan and has yet to undergo rigorous studies.
Apart from the sports complex, Defensor eyes a government center through PPP at Barangay Bolong Oeste in Santa Barbara, that could host national government agencies like the Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Bureau of Fire Protection, among others./PN
