Government and private sectors are very keen on taking advantage of Iloilo City’s booming potentials as ideal convention destination in the country.
Initial plans to put up convention centers in the metropolis are on the pipeline for the establishment of facilities and amenities that would attract guests and visitors to host and organize big events and gatherings here.
Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog is eyeing a city-owned lot in Molo district for the construction of convention center, noted Atty. Eduardo Peñaredondo, executive assistant for infrastructure.
A perspective with project name Iloilo Convention Center which includes construction of a building with office has listed the City Government as client of the design as posted on website of Izumo Contractors, Inc.
Industry players were long vouching for a 5,000-seat facility for hosting of big events such as the annual AdCongress that is seen to boost the city’s capabilities as the next convention destination.
Meanwhile, the designer firm T.I. Vasquez Architects & Planners Inc. (TVA&P) of the proposed 15-hectare Gaisano Iloilo Center in Mandurriao district set to start early next year, said they are also considering putting up a convention center.
“We are happy to update you that the convention center is semi-approved from Gaisano Group. We are currently conducting a more comprehensive soil and site study to proceed with the next phase in design,” TVA&P said on its Facebook post.
“Though we can’t commit exactly when, be rest assured this project will definitely push through as your owners are just as excited as you are!” TVA&P told enthusiastic Ilonggos who are asking on Facebook about the project status.
The proposed location on site permitted 4,500 seating capacity, TVA&P explained, adding “our challenge is to make this big development your gem in the city that’s why our designers are working extra hard to deliver – a few more proposals for activities to activate Iloilo tourism are also on the table.”
TVA&P said they had a recent presentation with the owners that went very well and initial study schemes of additional structure will be posted when it’s ready.
“It is still under studies and discussions with our client. We’re looking at all options and possibilities we have to accommodate the required components while keeping the conceptualized romance of this proposed built environment intact,” TVA&P stressed, referring to the Manhattan-like business park with a centerpiece of 40-storey skyscraper.
“We want to generate enough activity to sustain the development. Arch. Topy Vasquez will be there first week of July along with his students for a field analysis,” the firm said.
Likewise, Megaworld Corp’s ongoing 54-hectare Iloilo Business Park will host the Le Grand Richmonde Hotel, a high-end counterpart of 12-storey Richmonde Hotel Iloilo with convention facilities, to rise in old airport property in Mandurriao district.
Furthermore, the Iloilo International Convention Hotel with planned 500 rooms and 5,000-seat convention hall capacity has a funded feasibility study with allocated cost of P500,000 in 2013 budget by Department of Tourism Western Visayas regional office.