Zambo builds P33-M convention center

Sunday, July 17, 2011

THE construction of a P33.4 million two-storey convention center with more than 500 seating capacity is now ongoing at Zamboanga City's newest tourist site, Paseo del Mar.

City Engineer Luis Despalo said the convention center is the newest development at the Paseo del Mar since the construction of the additional four food outlets last October.

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The Paseo del Mar, which is located at the back of the historic Our Lady of the Pillar Shrine, is the newest tourist attraction in Zamboanga City.

Despalo said the construction of the multi-purpose convention center started last month and projected to be operational next year.

“Actually, the project’s duration as far as construction is concerned is one year. However, with the emphasis of Mayor Celso Lobregat to hasten all projects at hand, we are positive that the construction will finish earlier,” Despalo said.

He said the convention center will have a touch of Spanish-American architectural design since it is within the city’s heritage zone.

He said the center has mini-theatre type audio-visual room that can house about 50 persons, convenient for film showing and other gathering where visual presentation is a highlight.

On top of that, he said it will also have a multi-purpose function room and one concession designed for fine dining services.

Assistant City Administrator Elmeir Apolinario said the convention center will be under the care of the City Administrator’s Office as far as maintenance and operation are concerned.

Apolinario said the convention center will be opened for public booking where they can hold conferences, trainings and other gatherings as soon as it will be operational.