Convention Center seen to boost Iloilo’s economy, tourism
ILOILO CITY—The Iloilo Convention Center (ICC), which will be inaugurated in ceremonies led by President Benigno S. Aquino III today, September 14, is seen as a major boost in the economy and tourism of Metro Iloilo.
“The ICC will draw local and international guests for large-scale conventions, summits, congresses, trade fairs and exhibits, and other important events and put the country — particularly Western Visayas — on the business tourism map,” said former Department of Tourism Secretary, Narzalina Lim.
Lim currently serves as president of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILED).
The two-storey modern building designed by renowned Architect William Coscolluela, an Ilonggo, was mired in controversy.
A former employee of Iloilo native, Senate President Franklin Drilon filed with the Ombudsman charges of graft and corruption against Drilon, Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., and Department of Public Works and Highways Rogelio Singson, among others. The accusations of Manuel Mejorada included allegations of gross overpricing.
The charges have hence been dismissed and Drilon and the others accused were cleared by the Office of the Ombudsman after the latter ruled that Mejorada’s accusations were based on hearsay and notes from online encyclopedia Wikipedia, among inadequate sources.
It was Drilon who was among the chief movers for the construction of the ICC which will to mbe used asvenue for three Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) senior meetings in Iloilo starting September 22.
The ICC stands on property within the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park of Megaworld Corporation to be where the old Iloilo Airport was located in Mandurriao district, this city. The facility will be managed by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), an attached agency of the DOT.
President Aquino will join Megaworld Corporation Chairman Andrew Tan to officially inaugurate the ICC, and the entire Iloilo Business Park complex which includes Richmonde Hotel Iloilo today.