P40-M public auditorium to rise in Zambales town
A public auditorium with an initial funding of P40 million will be constructed in the heart of the town as a result of the collaboration among local officials and lawmakers.
Mayor Reinhard “Hart” Jeresano led the groundbreaking ceremony for the San Felipe Public Auditorium at the Liwasang Bayan on Saturday, March 16.
The project also drew support from Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz.
Maniquiz, however, said the funding for the auditorium did not only come from her office.
“As I’ve mentioned, I won’t tire of seeking help from Congress and the Senate to gather funds for our province. Just last week, I sent two Elf trucks loaded with mangoes there so they can remember and continuously support us. This auditorium is a result of that,” the lawmaker said.
Maniquiz added that even though she is always asking for support from other officials, what is important is that Zambales always get something in return.
“I’m joined in this project by congressman Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list, along with some officials from DPWH and the municipal planning office who said that this project worth P40M will be completed in one year or less,” Maniquiz said.
“Tingog Party-list provided P20 million and we also contributed P20 million, but Mayor Hart suggested that we might ask for an additional P20 million from him for the beautification of the surroundings of the said auditorium, making it a total of P40 million from his funds.”
Maniquiz also thanked the people of San Felipe for their continued support, along with Zambales Gov. Hermogenes “Ebdane Jr. as she emphasized the importance of cooperation between local leaders for the benefit of everyone.
Meanwhile, Jeresano expressed his gratitude to Maniquiz.
“As the father of the town of San Felipe, we are deeply grateful. When I was campaigning,
I mentioned this project to you, that it’s not wrong to dream that this auditorium can be realized within our first term of office,” Jeresano said to Maniquiz, noting that the auditorium would have not been possible without the help of the lawmaker and Ebdane.
“It’s something I’ve been saying since I was campaigning until now as mayor, the unity from the congress, province, town, and municipal council members is crucial. When there’s cooperation, everything advances, together, a lot can be achieved.”
San Felipe’s old plaza was destroyed in 2010, and now, after 14 years, the residents will have a new public auditorium, Jeresano added.
Alongside the groundbreaking ceremony was the continuation of the Bagong Pilipinas Mini Serbisyo Day program brought by Maniquiz and Tingog Party-list, which provided over 2,100 San Felipe residents with medical assistance, free medical laboratory tests, circumcision, and legal services.