TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region has announced that the feasibility study for the proposed International Convention Center (ICC) in Tacloban City will begin this year, following the recent awarding of the contract.
Engr. Edgardo Tabacon, DPWH regional director, confirmed that funding for the study has already been allocated under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The contract was awarded to a qualified bidder earlier this month, marking the official start of the project’s preliminary phase.
“The ICC, once realized, will serve as a world-class venue for hosting regional, national, and international events,” said Tabacon. “It represents a major opportunity for Tacloban City, which is poised to become a more future-ready and economically vibrant hub.”
The feasibility study, scheduled to be completed in 100 calendar days, will assess the project’s viability and lay the groundwork for its eventual implementation.
The ICC is planned to be constructed on the site of the former Leyte Park Hotel, which overlooks Cancabato Bay.
The proposed center, which is said to have a sitting capacity of 7,000, aims to provide a spacious environment that encourages social interaction, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
With the vision of becoming a catalyst for significant events, the ICC will offer a state-of-the-art venue for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural activities.
In line with the region’s climate, the project’s architectural design will incorporate resilient features, including aerodynamic forms to enhance natural airflow.
This aligns with the goal of ensuring that the structure can withstand the environmental conditions typical of Eastern Visayas.
The development of the ICC is expected to boost the economic growth of Region VIII, with Tacloban City positioned as a key player in both national and international arenas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
