SP backs construction of 5,000-seater sports arena in Iloilo City

Iloilo City councilors backed the plan of Mayor Jose Espinosa III to build a sports arena in La Paz district.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved yesterday a resolution authorizing Espinosa to negotiate with banks to finance the proposed infrastructure project.

Espinosa is planning to enter into a P500-million loan agreement either with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) or the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

The mayor, in his letter to the SP, said the city government has always been the Iloilo Provincial Government’s co-host for big sports events.

Unfortunately, the city lacks a venue that can meet standard requirements for hosting national tournaments.

“As a sportsman, I believe we owe it to our youth to give them the best sports facility that we can offer,” Espinosa said.

According to the mayor, the proposed arena has a seating capacity of 5,000.

“This project is included in the city’s 2017 to 2019 Annual Development Plan. It is also approved by the Iloilo City Local Development Council,” Espinosa said.

Councilor Plaridel Nava said the “long over due” project “deserves support from all sectors.”

“I think we have to let the people know that this is something that we can be proud of.”

SOURCE: Iloilo Metropolitan Times