Under Speaker Romualdez leadership
TACLOBAN CITY—In addition to its regular programs offering scholarships and medical assistance, Leyte’s first congressional district, represented by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, is set to benefit from a series of modern infrastructure projects.
Among the most significant developments is a new sports stadium in the town of Tolosa—home of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, Speaker Romualdez’s aunt.
The stadium, with a budget exceeding P1 billion, is expected to be the largest of its kind in the Visayas, boasting a seating capacity of 25,000 and state-of-the-art sports facilities.
Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog party-list, a close ally of Speaker Romualdez, announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium on September 13.
Acidre noted that the facility will serve not only for sports events but also for conventions and meetings, positioning Leyte’s first district as a new destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) events.
“This aggressive push for infrastructure is aimed at transforming the district into a hub for major events and activities,” said Acidre.
The stadium is projected to be completed within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., by 2028.
Other Major Projects in the Pipeline
In addition to the sports stadium, several other infrastructure and healthcare facilities are planned for the district, which includes Tacloban City and the municipalities of Palo, Babatngon, Santa Fe, San Miguel, Alangalang, Tanauan, and Tolosa.
Tacloban City will see the construction of an international convention center within the six-hectare Leyte Park Hotel compound. The center will accommodate over 7,000 people and has an initial budget of P700 million.
The city’s P4.58-billion causeway connecting the city proper to the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport is already underway, along with a P2.16-billion rehabilitation of the airport itself.
In Babatngon, an international-standard seaport is set to rise, with a budget of P934 million.
Palo will host an infectious disease and research center at the Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center. While no total cost was disclosed, Acidre indicated that the building alone would cost more than P4 million.
In Alangalang, plans are in place for a Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Center, which will streamline public services and reduce red tape.
The project is still under consultation with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to finalize the facilities.
Additionally, TESDA (Technical Education Skills and Development Authority) training centers will be established throughout the district to provide vocational and technical courses aimed at boosting local employment.
Acidre stressed that these projects are designed to attract investors and create job opportunities for residents, with completion targeted by 2028.
“Our goal is to drive development not only in Tacloban City but across the entire district,” Acidre said, adding that more “big-ticket projects” are on the horizon under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), led by Regional Director Engr. Edgar Tabacon, is optimistic that all major infrastructure projects will be completed with the support of Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
