P500M Iloilo convention center soon to rise

ILOILO CITY – The much-awaited Iloilo Convention Center with world-class amenities will soon rise at the 1.7-hectare lot donated by Megaworld Corp. within the more than 25-hectare site of the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district.

In the city during the weekend, Senator Franklin Drilon said the project will kick off in July and expected to be finished by the end of 2014 in time for Iloilo City’s hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Council Ministerial Conference.

Drilon said P500 million is allotted for the construction of the convention center. About P200 million of the budget was taken from his Priority Development Assistance Fund, another P200 million from the Department of Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and P100 million from the Office of the President.

The senator said the convention center is expected to become a catalyst of the tourism industry in Western Visayas, create more jobs for the Ilonggos, and spur the growth of hotels and related industries in the region.

The convention center will raise the capability of the city and province of Iloilo to host big international conferences and conventions and push the city target of becoming the conference hub of the region.

Designed by Architect Willy Coscoluella, the convention center will feature the sail of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta and the worldfamous Dinagyang Festival as trademarks of Iloilo.

The project was launched in November 2012 by Drilon, with Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Representative Jerry P. Treñas, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, and Megaworld Corp. president Andrew Tan.

The Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office will conduct a public bidding for the project by June.