Construction of new capitol aims to avoid debt

The ongoing construction for the new provincial capitol of Capiz at Pueblo de Panay in Roxas
City. (Gabriel Bernales)



By Arjay Allado

The Capiz Provincial Government under the administration of Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro is aiming to finish the construction of the new provincial capitol without incurring any debt.

Provincial Board Member Jonathan Besa, chairman of the appropriations committee of the Capiz Sangguniang Panlalawigan, assured that no loan will be taken to complete the new seat of power for the provincial government. 

Ang Provincial Capitol, hindi mang-utang (The Provincial Capitol will not borrow funds),” said Besa.

The proposed budget for the construction of the new capitol at Pueblo de Panay is more or less P1.3 billion.

The bulk of the budget or around P800 million will be shouldered by the Capiz Provincial Government. 

In 2023, it acquired the 3-hectare lot at Pueblo de Panay township at the cost of P300 million. 

For the year 2025 alone, the provincial government allocated a budget of P250 million for the new capitol’s construction. 

Besa noted that the Castro administration has requested an additional P500 million from the national government agencies as well as financial assistance from senators and congressmen. 

Tanan ini, gina source sa pondo naton kag sa pagpanikasog sang aton gobernador nga nagapangayo sang financial assistance (The source of funds will be from the efforts of our governor, especially in asking for financial assistance),” added Besa.

However, Besa is not sure if Castro’s request has been approved by lawmakers or national government agencies.  

According to Besa, if additional funding comes in and goes beyond the needed amount, it will be reallocated for other concerns of the project.

Meanwhile, Besa is hopeful that the construction of the new capitol will be completed by the third quarter of the year.