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.
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 Romualdez, the groundbreaking ceremony is a special moment for everyone in Tacloban City.
“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.
Romualdez was assisted in the BRICC groundbreaking rites by Tingog Partylist 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 Aquino II, Janet Garin, Francisco Jose Matugas, Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Joseph Lara, Doris Maniquiz, Maria Carmen Zamora, Carl Cari, Stephen James Tan, Christopherson Yap, Fe Abunda, as well as several Leyte local officials.
The three-storey, 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.
Similarly, the convention center is designed to be community-centered, sustainable, and resilient, representing the culture and the people of Tacloban.