Iba, Zambales – Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr said new projects in the province will boost the development of Zambales into world-class status.
During his birthday celebration yesterday December 30 at the Balin Sambali in the capitol town, Ebdane said that among the projects is the P500-million upgrade of the Provincial Auditorium and Sports Complex.
He added that the Provincial Government aims to upgrade the area at par with international standards that can hold national and international sporting events here while the new auditorium will be able to accommodate 3,000 visitors.
The official also cited that the construction of the new capitol building is underway, adding that the P500 million infrastructure will be built in front of the old one.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government approved the construction of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital annex building.
The official said that the facility will have a total area of 21,738 square meters, with a 264-bed capacity, complimented with up-to-date medical equipment and apparatus.
The Provincial Government has allotted P500 million for the construction of the said building.
Ebdane also said that relocation plans for the San Marcelino District Hospital is now set in motion, adding that a two -hectare land area is being set aside for the new medical facility.
Another medical facility to be upgraded is the Ospital ng Sta. Cruz. The new hospital will also have a two -hectare land area and will be able to serve not just the people of Zambales, but also some areas in Pangasinan, Ebdane said.
The hospital in Candelaria will also be upgraded with a P30-million allotted budget, with Ebdane adding that the Provincial Government will provided additional funding for the development.
The Provincial Government is also set to upgrade the President Ramon Magsaysay State University, as Ebdane citing that Zambaleño students do not need to go to Manila to get a better education. “If we can provide our children with better education here, there would not be a need for them to go to areas away from their families.
It is during the time of their tertiary education that the students need the support of their families,” he added. The governor said that his administration continues to focus on the agricultural sector, education, and the senior citizens of Zambales, adding that his constituents can rest assure that the development of the province and the people are his priorities. (Dante M. Salvana)