BY JEN BAYLON
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – This province marked a historic moment with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Capiz Provincial Capitol building, located within the Pueblo de Panay Township in Roxas City.
Led by Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro, the event on Thursday, Jan. 18, celebrated the commencement of a transformative project poised to elevate the province’s services.
In his welcome message, Jose Nery “Bub” Ong, president and chief executive officer of Pueblo de Panay, Inc., underscored the significance of the collaborative efforts between Pueblo de Panay and the Capiz Provincial Government and expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact the new Capitol will have on the local community.
Castro, in his address, shared the vision behind the grand venture.
The move from the old Provincial Capitol building at Roxas City Plaza to the expansive Pueblo de Panay Township signifies a commitment to progress, as the new structure is expected to be significantly larger.
The strategic relocation along a six-lane wide main road close to the Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal makes it more accessible to those coming from other municipalities in Capiz and aims to better accommodate the growing population of the province, ensuring the efficient delivery of essential services to its residents.
The new building on a three-hectare lot will have close to 15,000 square meters of floor area spread across five levels, which is more than double the 6,000-square-meter floor area of the current capitol building.
While the current one is challenged when it comes to parking slots, with only 50 available, the new site, with its expansive grounds, will have over 200 slots available for the use of officials, employees, and guests.
The ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of the architectural renderings for the proposed building, showcasing an elegant design that blends modern functionality with timeless aesthetics.
In his closing remarks, Atty. Arthur John Binas, provincial administrator, encapsulated the collective excitement and optimism surrounding this monumental project, reinforcing the Capiz government’s commitment to progress and development./PN