BENGUET CONVENTION CENTER SOON TO RISE

August 31, 2024 Headlines

BENGUET

A three-storey provincial convention center worth more or less P500 million, the first of its kind in the province, will soon rise at the Benguet Sports Complex in the capital town of La Trinidad. This, after ranking provincial officials led by Rep. Eric Go Yap and Gov. Melchor Diclas and the Department of Public Works and Highways led the groundbreaking rites of the first phase of the Benguet Convention Center on Aug. 29.

Yap, who sourced out the initial fund of P150 million for the first phase of the project said having a convention center has been a long-time dream of past and present leaders, specially the constituents from the 13 towns of the province.
“The convention center, once completed will be a source of pride and we assure our constituents that this facility will be iconic one,” Yap said.

The second tranche of fund for the project worth P150 million will be included in the 2025 national budget while the
third tranche which is another P150 million will be released in 2026 to complete the structure. The proposed convention center will rise in a 3, 300 square meter lot with the first floor capable to accommodate more than 1,000 individuals. The first floor will also house the administration office while the second floor will have a banquet hall capable to accommodate 700 individuals plus quarters for VIPs.

The third floor will serve as an elevated panorama of the second floor. Yap expressed hope that the convention center will be completed on time, as he also announced that the Benguet Aquatic Center which is adjacent to the site of the convention center will be completed in time when the province hosted the biggest regional sporting event in 2025. The Benguet Sports Complex also house the rubberized tartan track and the multipurpose sports center.

Diclas, for his part, said having a convention center can also boost the province’s bid to host national and international events. “The facility could also be a source of revenue for the province,” Diclas said, as he shared that some provinces with convention centers such as Iloilo have been a preferred destinations for big gatherings.

Thom F. Picaña/ABN