New Sorsogon Capitol building opens to public

By Cet Dematera

After its inauguration and blessing on Friday, Oct. 22, the P250-million newly-restored Sorsogon Provincial Capitol Building has been opened 24-hours a day to anybody who wants to visit the American architecture-inspired structure that displays paintings and other works of art in its hallways and corridor.

Sorsogon Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero led the blessing and inauguration ceremonies of the building which has been restored and renovated to its original architectural plan when it was built in 1916 or 105 year ago.

“I officially declare that the People’s Capitol is now open to serve all the Sorsogonons. This is your building, our building,” Escudero said as he addressed the people and their visitors during the inauguration.

He said that the building, sitting in the middle of a 12-hectare land, houses all the provincial offices in order for it to serve as a “one-stop shop” that would facilitate transactions.

The New Sorsogon Capitol building.

“It is my hope that future governors of this province will hold it in their hearts what this century-old building stands for: good government and genuine public service for our people,” Escudero, who is running for senator, said.

He also ordered caretakers of the building to open it to all 24 hours, “so that people can visit, walk through the corridors and hallways, go to the deck and have a beautiful view.”

Escudero also urged his constituents to help in maintaining the beauty of the structure and the entire complex that the future generations of Sorsogon “will enjoy and love.”

Present during the occasion were Sen. Lito Lapid, Catanduanes Gov. Boboy Cua, Masbate Gov. Anotonio Kho, and Albay Vice. Gov. Grex Lagman, and other government officials.