SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) – – The Provincial Government of Antique initiates the groundbreaking rites of
the government center in barangay Badiang, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on April 28, 2023.
Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao led the groundbreaking ceremony and lowering of the time capsule with
Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta, Antique’s Lone District Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda, Sangguniang
Panlalawigan members and other local officials.
The Office of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio was also represented during the program by Dr.
Christopher G. Sorongon, Officer-In-Charge of the Office of Vice President Satellite Office in Bacolod
City.
Cadiao said the P970 million budget for the construction of the government center was sourced from
the savings of the provincial government some years back.
“This is quite hefty, P970 million pesos without the loan, 10 years worth of Provincial Government’s
savings,” she said during the launching program.
Cadiao lauded the collective efforts of the provincial officials and employees particularly the local
finance committee for properly managing the funds of the provincial government.
She also noted that the construction of the newest capitol is possibly the most important infrastructure
project of and for the people of Antique under her administration.
The site will become the center of good governance both for provincial and national government offices
to provide public services to the Antiqueños in one place with ease and convenience.
Cadiao also cited the significant historical event that happened on April 28, 1957, some 66 years ago
when her father, the late Gov. Josue L. Cadiao who was then the local chief executive of the province
started the construction of the New Capitol that currently housed the different offices of the provincial
government.
“In these 66 years, Antique expanded from a sleepy, agricultural province to the Rising Star of Western
Visayas, it’s only natural that the Provincial Government outgrows its home,” she said.
The government center sits on 6.4 hectares and the entire lot cost P110.7 million including taxes and
other fees.
In a press conference, Provincial Administrator retired Judge Nery Duremdes said that the completion of
the project is expected in two years while the bidding process will take almost two months.
In a press release from the Provincial Information Office, it noted that the three-storey building will use
solar energy. When completed, the Antique Government Center will be the largest building in mainland
Antique to use solar panels. (PIA-Antique)
