ICC ready for PNoy’s inaugural ceremony

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The controversial Iloilo Convention Center is now ready to welcome President Benigno Aquino III for tomorrow’s inaugural ceremony of the P700-million structure located at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district of this city.

Regional Director Edilberto Tayao, of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 6, said the ICC building is already 100 percent operational and completed. “If there are works to be done, it involves site development, which is now being rushed up to make it more presentable,” he said.

Tayao said that, as per contract, the site development was set to be completed by November 29 this year, but as of September 7, it was already at 25.83 percent completion.

The site development works include the construction of a perimeter fence, a guard house, a fountain, a pylon signage, a flagpole and a parking area. “The construction works are in full blast. The contractor has already tripled the manpower requirement doing 24/7 activity,” Tayao said.

Sitting on a 1.70-hectare lot, the state-of-the-art ICC was constructed based on a design inspired by Iloilo’s Dinagyang and Paraw festivals.

The total construction floor area covers 11,963.79 square meters and could accommodate 2,400 to 3,000 guests (depending on setting, theatre, or table). The ground floor has the main convention hall, pre-function room, main lobby, kitchen, delivery area, storage room, and toilets. Seven function rooms, museum/souvenir shop, a VIP room, and preparation area are located on the second floor.

The project’s Phase 1, which covers the building structure, had an appropriation of P500 million and was completed on December 3, last year.

The Phase 1 included all structure concrete — from footing/foundation to roofing including elevator pit and cistern tank, electrical, mechanical and sanitary (rough-ins), masonry works, thermal and moisture protection, GI roofing, and roof framing works, floor cement finishes, fabrication, and installation of Iloilo bush stone finish and of glass curtain wall with design.

The building’s Phase 2 has an appropriation of P200 million, covering all finishing works on the ceiling, floor, and walls, installation of air conditioning and ventilation equipment and electrical works on lighting system, installation of two escalators, a service elevator, and two passenger elevators.

Aquino, after the ICC inauguration, is also scheduled to lead the ceremonial launch of the Iloilo Business Park and the inauguration of the Richmonde Hotel, which sits adjacent to the ICC.

The president will also inaugurate the new bridge linking LaPaz district and the new ferry and fast craft terminal to the city proper district. — (FREEMAN)