PINANGUNAHAN ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ang groundbreaking ng itatayong convention center na magsisilbing bantayog para sa masisipag na Taclobanon at Leyteño.

Sa groundbreaking ceremony ng Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center (BRICC) noong Biyernes, sinabi rin ng pinuno ng 306 kinatawan sa Kamara de Representantes na ang convention center ay magsisilbing patunay sa katatagan ng mga mamamayan ng Eastern Visayas.

“I am honored and deeply grateful that the structure to be built shall bear the name of my father. Benjamin Romualdez dedicated over two decades of his life to the establishment and strengthening of connections between our people and those beyond our shores,” ayon kay Speaker Romualdez.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na ang convention center ay isang nararapat na pagpupugay sa kanyang ama at sa kanyang naging adbokasiya—ang pagsulong ng makabuluhang pakikipag-ugnayan, pagbabahagi ng kaalaman at karanasan, at pagpapalakas ng matatag na ugnayan at komunidad.

“Let the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center be a platform for building connections, a showcase of the wealth of experiences the region has to offer to the country and the world—a monument for the world-class efforts of every hardworking and forward-looking Taclobanon,” saad nito.

Ayon kay Speaker Romualdez, ang groundbreaking ceremony ay isang espesyal na sandali para sa lahat ng mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Tacloban.

“The structure we endeavor to build beginning this afternoon is not only a reflection of the rich culture of Leyte, but a testament to how far we Taclobanons have come, as well as to the bright prospects that the entire Eastern Visayas Region has, in this path of development that we have embarked on,” dagdag ng pinuno ng Kamara.

“Indeed, Tacloban City has gone far in its development. Our comeback from super typhoon Yolanda demonstrates the innate fortitude and determination of every Taclobanon to rise over setbacks—wiser and stronger. Through everyone’s efforts, Tacloban City remains the economic heart of the Eastern Visayas region,” giit pa nito.

Kasama ni Speaker Romualdez sa BRICC groundbreaking rites sina Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, Liga ng mga Barangay ng Tacloban City at Region VIII President Raymund Romualdez, bilang kinatawan ng kaniyang ama at kay Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Ferdinand Martin “Marty” Romualdez Jr., at Department of Public Works and Highways personnel sa pamumuno ni Regional Director Edgar Tabacon.

Dumalo rin sa okasyon ang ilang kongresista kabilang sina Reps. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, Janet Garin, Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo, Joseph “Jojo” Lara, Doris “Bing” Maniquiz, Maria Carmen Zamora, Carl Cari, Stephen James “Jimboy” Tan, Christopherson “Coco” Yap at Fe Abunda at mga lokal na opisyal ng Leyte.

Ang tatlong palapag na BRICC ay nagkakahalaga ng P750 milyon at itatayo sa dalawang yugto. Ito ay matatagpuan sa isang 20,620 square meter na lote at idinisenyo upang magkaroon ng malawak na espasyo para sa maraming tao, pati na rin ng mga pasilidad na angkop para sa iba’t ibang aktibidad.

Ang convention center ay nakadisenyo bilang community-centered, sustainable at resilient, na sumasalamin sa kultura at pagkakakilanlan ng mga taga-Tacloban.