ILOILO – The provincial government has started preparations for the construction of the Iloilo Smart Green Government Center, a modern, sustainable, and technology-driven hub designed to enhance government services.
A meeting was held this week led by Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) head Engr. Romeo Andig, alongside Provincial Administrator Raul Banias. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6, led by Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel and Assistant Regional Director Jose Al Fruto also participated in the discussion of the project plans.
The facility, which will rise on a 6.3-hectare provincial lot in barangays Bolong Oeste and Inangayan in Santa Barbara town, will be a four-storey multipurpose building. It will incorporate sustainable design, smart technology, and efficient government operations.
This project is part of the provincial government’s commitment to fostering innovation, environmental sustainability, and public service excellence.
The Iloilo Smart Green Government Center is expected to become a landmark development, offering improved accessibility to government services and contributing to a greener future for the province. More updates on the project’s progress will be shared in the coming months.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. presented his plan to establish the Smart and Green Regional Government Center to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during the Regional Development Council meeting on February 13 at Casa Real de Iloilo.
He said the building would serve as a one-stop shop for national government agencies providing frontline services and offer easier access to government facilities for the public.
“We want it to be digitized. We want government offices in a corporate environment. We presented this plan to the President and sought his support, as well as that of the Regional Development Council,” Defensor said.
President Marcos was “very receptive” to the proposal, recognizing the importance of the facility in streamlining government services in the region.
The RDC also supported the project.
“This is the first time, since I took office, that the President himself listened to our plan. He was very receptive, and together with the Council, the President acknowledged that this is a great project and something that the region really needs,” said Defensor.
The provincial government has already requested P500 million in funding from the Office of Special Assistant to the President, Antonio Lagdameo Jr. Sen. Bong Revilla has also pledged an additional P100 million in funding.
“We want to collaborate with the national government in presenting the plan, completing the detailed engineering design, and securing the necessary funding to start the project,” said Defensor.
The Smart Green Government Center will feature an eco-park, a training center, a sports and recreation area with a stadium, an integrated emergency response station, and a commercial area, among other facilities./PN
