Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez leads the groundbreaking for the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center (BRICC) at Leyte Park Hotel complex in Tacloban City. Romualdez said he is “honored and deeply grateful” that the structure would bear the name of his father, Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez who “dedicated over two decades of his life to the establishment and strengthening of connections between our people and those beyond our shores”. Also in the photo are, Marty Romualdez,Tingog Partylist Rep Jude Acidre, Tacloban City Liga ng mga Barangay President Raymund Romualdez, and DPWH officials led by Region 8 Director Edgar Tabacon.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday led the groundbreaking of the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center (BRICC), saying the facility named after his father would be a monument to hardworking Taclobanons and Leyteños.
In his remarks during the groundbreaking rite, the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives also 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,” Speaker Romualdez said.
Speaker Romualdez said the convention center is a fitting tribute to his father and his life’s work, which is the promotion of productive engagements, meaningful interactions, sharing ideas and experiences to build lasting relationships and 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.
According to Speaker Romualdez, the groundbreaking ceremony is a special moment for everyone in 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,” he added.
“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 stressed.
Speaker Romualdez was assisted in the BRICC groundbreaking rites by Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, Liga ng mga Barangay of Tacloban City and Region VIII President Raymund Romualdez, representing his father and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Ferdinand Martin “Marty” Romualdez Jr.; and Department of Public Works and Highways personnel headed by Regional Director Edgar Tabacon.
Also present during the event were several lawmakers, including Reps. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, Janet Garin, Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo, Joseph “Jojo” Lara, Doris “Bing” Maniquiz, Maria Carmen Zamora, Carl Cari, Stephen James “Jimboy” Tan, Christopherson “Coco” Yap, Fe Abunda, as well as several Leyte local officials.
The three-story, P750 million BRICC will be constructed in two phases. It will be situated in a 20,620-square meter lot, with the center spacious enough to accommodate a large number of attendees and offer a range of facilities that support diverse activities.
Likewise, the convention center is designed to be community-centered, sustainable, and resilient, representing the culture and the people of Tacloban.
