P70-M Legazpi expo bldg nears completion

By Cet Dematera

A P70-million worth exposition building that could accommodate more than 5,000 people is already 90 percent finished and is expected to be operational in December 2021 in time for the full-blast operations of the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay.

Mayor Noel E. Rosal said that the structure is also designed for big gatherings by arriving visitors as it has seven function rooms that could accommodate 150 persons each and a convention area that could house up to 4,000 people.

Rosal has already directed the City Engineering Office (CEO) to expedite the construction of the exposition building in preparation for some big events now that the international airport has scheduled a maiden commercial flight on Oct. 7.

Aside from the existing Legazpi City Convention Center (L3C), the expo building would be an added venue for national and local or even international exhibitions, including conventions, seminars and other similar events spearheaded by different big organizations that are anticipated to help sustain the already booming tourism industry and improving economic activities in this city.

“The exposition building is located within the 2,500-square meter lot owned by the city government that is constructed beside L3C and a stone’s throw from the Legazpi City Airport,” Rosal said.

City Engineer Clemente Ibo explained that the exposition hub is equipped with elevator, escalator, air conditioning and fire protection systems and a 1,000-square meter three-story steel parking area that could accommodate about 100 vehicles.

“Another tourism project expected to open before yearend is the 1.2 kilometer Legazpi esplanade that is adjacent to the four-kilometer city boulevard at Barangay Dap-dap here,” Ibo said.

Ibo explained the P32 million worth esplanade project is expected to draw more local and foreign tourists, adding that this public walk structure is made of paver stones, believed to have therapeutic effect when pressed against the barefoot of the joggers.

“This esplanade is anticipated to attract health conscious visitors, particularly joggers, because of its famous therapeutic effect,” Ibo added.