VARIOUS infrastructure projects are being lined up in the province of Zambales in order to boost its stature as a world-class province.
According to Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who recently celebrated his birthday at the Balin Sambali in Iba, among the infrastructure projects being eyed for completion is the P500-million upgrade of the Provincial Auditorium and Sports Complex. The objective is to upgrade the area and make it at par with international standards, wherein it can hold national and international sporting events while the new auditorium will be able to accommodate 3,000 visitors.
On the other hand, construction of the new capitol building is also underway, adding that the P500 million infrastructure will be built in front of the old one.
Other infrastructure projects that were approved include the construction of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital annex building. The facility, according to the governor, will have a total area of 21,738 square meters, with a 264-bed capacity, complimented with up-to-date medical equipment and apparatus.
The provincial government also allotted P500 million for the construction of the said building.
Ebdane also said that relocation plans for the San Marcelino District Hospital is now set in motion, adding that a two-hectare land area is being set aside for the new medical facility.
Another medical facility to be upgraded is the Ospital ng Sta. Cruz. The new hospital will also have a two -hectare land area and will be able to serve not just the people of Zambales but also some areas in Pangasinan, Ebdane said.
The hospital in Candelaria, meanwhile, will get a P30-million upgrade according to Ebdane, with the provincial government allotting additional funding for its development.
Also getting a modernized upgrade is the President Ramon Magsaysay State University in order to make it at the same level as learning facilities in Manila so that Zambaleño students need not go to Manila to get a better education.
“If we can provide our children with better education here, there would not be a need for them to go to areas away from their families. It is during the time of their tertiary education that the students need the support of their families,” he added.
The governor added that his administration continues to focus on the agricultural sector, education, and the senior citizens of Zambales as his constituents can rest assure that the development of the province and the people are his priorities.