MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center (BRICC) on Friday, saying the facility, named after his father, would serve as a monument to the hardworking people of Tacloban and Leyte.
In his remarks during the groundbreaking, Romualdez said the convention center would stand as a testament to the resilience of the people of Eastern Visayas.
“I am honored and deeply grateful that the structure to be built shall bear the name of my father. Benjamin Romualdez dedicated over two decades of his life to the establishment and strengthening of connections between our people and those beyond our shores,” Romualdez said.
He added that the convention center is a fitting tribute to his father and his life’s work – promoting productive engagements, fostering meaningful interactions and sharing ideas and experiences to build lasting relationships and a strong community.
“Let the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center be a platform for building connections, a showcase of the wealth of experiences the region has to offer to the country and the world – a monument for the world-class efforts of every hardworking and forward-looking Taclobanon,” he said.
Romualdez described the groundbreaking ceremony as a significant milestone for the people of Tacloban City.
“The structure we endeavor to build beginning this afternoon is not only a reflection of the rich culture of Leyte, but a testament to how far we Taclobanons have come, as well as to the bright prospects that the entire Eastern Visayas Region has, in this path of development that we have embarked on,” the House Speaker said.
“Indeed, Tacloban City has gone far in its development. Our comeback from Super Typhoon Yolanda demonstrates the innate fortitude and determination of every Taclobanon to rise over setbacks – wiser and stronger. Through everyone’s efforts, Tacloban City remains the economic heart of the Eastern Visayas region,” he added.
Romualdez was joined at the BRICC groundbreaking ceremony by Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre; Liga ng mga Barangay Tacloban City and Region VIII president Raymund Romualdez, who represented his father and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez; Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Jr. and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways, led by regional director Edgar Tabacon.
Several lawmakers were also present at the event, including Reps. Jose Aquino II, Janet Garin, Francisco Jose Matugas, Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Joseph Lara, Doris Maniquiz, Maria Carmen Zamora, Carl Cari, Stephen James Tan, Christopherson Yap and Fe Abunda, along with several local officials from Leyte.
The three-story P750-million BRICC will be built in two phases.
It will be located on a 20,620-square-meter lot, with ample space to accommodate a large number of attendees and provide facilities that support a wide range of activities.
The convention center is also designed to be community-centered, sustainable and resilient, reflecting the culture and people of Tacloban.