The Department of Public Works and Highways has started the construction of a new legislative building for the Provincial Government of Antique.
In a report from DPWH Antique District Engineer Elsie V. Sabay, works are underway for the P48.458 Million construction of a three-storey building with the total area of 1,790 square meters.
Senator Loren Legarda, who hails from Antique, together with DPWH Region 6 Assistant Director Jose Al V. Fruto, and other local officials of the Antique recently led the ceremonial ground breaking for the building construction project.
Once completed, the new building adjacent to the old capitol building will be the workplace of members and employees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and other support services of the province.
Sabay said that the new building will enhance the delivery of services to the people and provide a safer and more conducive office environment for the officials and employees of the Provincial Capitol.
The old capitol building that has been in existence for over decades is planned for rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration and to preserve the architectural façade of the building, added Sabay.
The proposed rehabilitation project, in the amount of P48.178 Million, mainly involves retrofitting/strengthening of columns and beams on the first floor and replacement of wooden floor slab on the second floor to concrete floor slab, electrical, plumbing and painting works.
Once the retrofitting works for old capitol building is also completed, the building space will serve as library, archive and museum of the province that will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Antiqueños.