ALL is set for the construction of a business process outsourcing (BPO) tower worth P1.7 billion that will house a call center, other offices, and parking spaces in Iloilo City.

The City Council endorsed the project on Tuesday as a requirement for the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) endorsement of a proposed economic zone for a Presidential Proclamation.

Candice Magdalane Tupas, chair of the committee on trade, commerce and industry, said the project is a big boost to the city.

A letter dated January 27, 2016 of SM City mall manager Gilbert Domingo requested for the Council's endorsement of the SM City BPO Twin Tower that was required for Peza endorsement.

A consultative meeting with stakeholders was conducted on Monday, March 7, for the proposed construction of the 18-storey building that will be built across the SM City Mall.

Base on the initial plan, the tower's lower ground floor will serve as a terminal for public transport, while the second to fifth floor will be the parking areas for the SM clients.

Other offices will be located at sixth to eighth floor.

The SM management is preparing all documents for their pre-qualification clearance and is requesting only 20 percent of the total floor area to be declared accredited by the Peza.

The target date of completion of the first six floors is on November 2017.