Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Benguet Convention Center

In Photo:  Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap led the Capsule Laying assisted by District Engineer, DPWH-Benguet 1st DEO Isagani C. Cayme, Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda and Edgardo G. Enriquez – Assistant District Engineer, DPWH- Benguet followed by the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Benguet Convention Center adjacent to the Olympic Standard Aquatic Center and Track and Field oval in La Trinidad, Benguet held on August 29, 2024. Photo by: Mario Oclaman //FNS

In a message from Congressman Yap,”Kapag nakikita ko ang tarp na ito ay para akong naiiyak dahil isa lang itong panaginip at pangarap subalit ngayon it is becoming a reality, may P150 milyon na tayong nailagay, next year we will try to put another P150 milyon the following year P150 milyon kasi mahal itong convention center dahil ginawa nating iconic, hindi lang tayo gumawa ng convention center na mura lang para sabihin na may convention center tayo, ginawa natin ito kahit mahal, kahit paghirapan ko iyan ng tatlong taon pagpondohan, ginawa natin yan para meron tayong maipagmamalaki na tayong taga Benguet maganda ang convention center natin, ito ay hindi para kay Yap convention center kung hindi bilang Benguet Convention Center para sa ating lahat itong taga Benguet.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa DPWH sana sama sama tayo pagtulungan natin ang proyektong ito, hindi lang Congressman, governor at mayor ito it is the whole effort of Benguet our E-Benguet Kailyan malaki ang tiwala ko sa guidance ng DPWH ay maisakatuparan at yun picture sa tarp sana lumabas ng ganyan, narito na ang oval, gymnasium at ang aquatic center medyo kinakabahan lang ako dahil nag bid na kami ni gov ng CARAA sa 2025 by hooked or by crooked kelangan matapos ang aquatic center natin dahil tayo ang magho host ng CARAA sa 2025 to highlight and showcase kung ano na ang meron tayo ngayon sa Benguet under the leadership of Governor Melchor Diclas at siyempre ang kanyang katulong na si Eric Yap ay ipapakita natin sa buong Cordilleran Region ano na ang facilities ng Benguet ngayon,”  Yap said.

Mayor Salda also thanked for the initiative effort of Congressman Yap and Governor Diclas who has been given the fulfillment to build the structure of the Benguet Convention Center and this will also help to boost the tourism industry.

“What we also need is to build hotels for our guests/visitors and also the billeting of the athletes but these may be to follow soon, the important thing is we are here for the groundbreaking of the Benguet Convention Center,” Salda concluded

Gov. Diclas also thank Congressman Yap for the initiation of the projects, and explained the history of the ground area, the land area been prepared during the time of the late Former Governor and congressman Nestor  Fongwan Sr. that during his administration ay inayos nila for sports complex they have initially funded the development initial funding of multi-purpose gym and it was funded also by our Congressman Yap kaya nakumpleto na ang gym natin and also yun oval natin at ang Olympic Standard Aquatic Center and now we are doing this groundbreaking of Benguet Convention Center makikita natin soon na may pagkakakitaan na tayo kapag may convention center na tayo sa tulong at ang pagkakaisa ng mga opisyal natin dito sa Benguet at sa pagta trabaho ni Cong Yap para sa atin dito ay tuloy-tuloy yun partnership ng municipal ng la Trinidad at provincial ng Benguet,” Diclas said.

The project overview of the BCC is a modern marvel of architecture and design nestled in the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet. It is to be built alongside the ongoing Olympic Standard Aquatic Center and Track and Field oval, all through the initiative of our ever-providing and energetic Congressman Eric. G. Yap.

 When completed, the Convention Center and other facilities shall be turned over to the Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Melchor Diclas for operation and maintenance.

When operational, the state-of-the-art building will be the perfect destination for our events. It offers world-class amenities within a stunning three-floor steel structure with a glass finish, covering an impressive 3,300 square meters.

The ground floor offers a 1000-person capacity that caters to the conventions of large settings. It also includes a dedicated space for the administration office, receiving area, and fully equipped kitchen. To reach the upper floor fast and smoothly, 3 elevators will also be provided aside from a grand staircase with a touch of grandeur to the building.

Within the second floor, the banquet hall can accommodate 700 persons for performances, presentations, and speeches. There are also two locker rooms for the performers, speakers, and other staff. Included in the 2nd floor are:

• Green room where the performers and speakers can relax before taking the stage.
• VIP room is an exclusive area for distinguished guests offering privacy and comfort

The mezzanine offers an elevated and panoramic view of the second floor.

Also, every level offers elegantly finished PWD-friendly and gender-neutral comfort rooms.

The initial funds, released for this fiscal year 2024, initiated by Congressman is P150-M. The additional allocation of 150M is expected to be released by fiscal year 2025. Mario Oclaman //FNS