Modern convention center soon to rise in Naga City

Mayor Nelson Legacion (2nd from right) accepts the Deed of Donation from Engr. Emeterio Aman (2nd from left) after the signing ceremony of the 3-hectare lot for the construction of the Naga City Convention Center last Feb. 10, 2020 at the Naga City People’s Hall. (JRM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

NAGA CITY --- A modern convention center will soon rise in this city. This after Mayor Nelson Legacion and spouses Engr. Emeterio and Mrs. Maliene Aman signed the Deed of Donation on Monday, Feb. 10 at the Naga City People’s Hall, here.

The proposed Naga City Convention Center will sit in a 3-hectare property donated by the Amans inside Haciendas de Naga in Barangay Carolina.

“Our company, Aman Engineering and Enjoy Realty and Development Corporation has been the partner of the Naga City government in the city’s development. We are a local developer and we have been participating and cooperating in the endeavors of Naga City,” Aman said.

Legacion expressed his elation and gratitude to the Aman couple for the donation, citing that this is the biggest donation in favor of the local government that will bring progress to the city.

“This is one big donation in favor of the local government, and we will ensure that the donation will not encounter any problem.

The donation will help us and bring progress for the city and benefit the growing tourism industry of Naga,” Legacion said.

The need for a modern convention center in Naga arose with the steady increase in the number of gatherings such as meetings, exhibits, and conventions in the city, which, according to Legacion is a lost opportunity due to the absence or lack of a convention facility large enough to accommodate over a thousand participants.

In 2014, the average national convention attracted around 1,000 individuals. By 2023, the average national convention is projected to be attended by more than 3,400 delegates.

However, the existing largest convention center in Naga can only accommodate a maximum of 1,200 persons. This has led to a rapid decline in the number and frequency of large-scale domestic events in Naga.

To address this constraint, the city government committed to develop, and if needed, manage a full-size convention center that will cater to the needs of national and even international gatherings.

The facility is expected to benefit the growing tourism industry of Naga, as well as those of neighboring municipalities in the entire province of Camarines Sur, and to a larger scale even the rest of the Bicol region. Initial cost of the facility is estimated at P250 million. However, as the local government sees possible assistance from the national government, the concept for the design was upgraded and may possibly cost P800 million.

Legacion is optimistic that this project will come into realization within two years, or a maximum of five years. (JRM-PIAV/Camarines Sur)