IBA, Zambales — Residents in this province can look forward to several major infrastructure and development projects starting next year, Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., said recently.
Ebdane made the announcement during the ceremonial lighting of the provincial Christmas tree and the opening of the Christmas Village at the Capitol early this month.
According to him, among these projects is the conversion of the aging Provincial Capitol into as a world-class auditorium and the ongoing construction of the new capitol in front of it that cost P500 million.
"The auditorium would be a perfect place for conventions, meetings, and exhibitions," he said in his speech as he led the occasion that carried the theme, “Paskong Zambaleño, Gabi ng Ningning at Pag-Asa (Zambales-style Christmas, a night of shine and hope)."
Ebdane said the construction of the auditorium involved the clearing of 2,115 square meters of land and is expected to accommodate 3,000 guests.
"It will have function halls designed for smaller groups. All areas of the facility are air-conditioned and controlled individually," the governor shared.
He added, “This would be a PICC-inspired, multi-level auditorium that is ready to accommodate a large number of guests attending comfortably different events at the same time."
The existing sports complex will also be undergoing renovation to turn it into a first-class sports facility capable of hosting Olympic Games like soccer or football. The new sports center will be ideal for sports training and competitions, complete with sports equipment, facilities and comfortable space.
Ebdane also revealed that the provincial government had earlier approved and started the construction of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital Annex, which he described as a modern, all-new medical facility with a total area of 21,738 sq. meters, with a 264-bed capacity, complimented with up-to-date medical equipment and apparatus. The annex has a budget of P500 million.
Also in the pipeline is the distribution of new and bigger service vehicles to every barangay in the 13 municipalities.
This is to augment the existing fleet of vehicles they possess to ensure better service to residents and reach the remotest areas.
"The more than 300,000 family households will also expect a bigger Christmas package through the governor’s 'Pamaskong Handog' project," Ebdane said.
While construction of these major infrastructure projects is ongoing, he asked residents to bear with it as he noted that there would be no significant or big event to happen next year to make way for the free movement of materials, equipment and workers in various areas of the capitol town.
Ebdane expressed his gratitude to all leaders of the province, the mayors, board members, and the newly elected barangay officials. He thanked Congresswoman Doris Bing Maniquiz, who supported this development program for the province.
Maniquiz extended her appreciation to Gov. Ebdane, expressing her full support for his programs that continue to benefit the youth with free education, free medical services, and other benefits for senior citizens, among others.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. mingles with residents during the recent lighting ceremony for the giant Christmas Tree at the Capitol where he announced the major development projects lined up in the coming 2024. ( Randy V. Datu)
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