Marcos town execs breaks ground for 3-storey multi-purpose building

Inauguration of 2 more infra projects follow

By Dominic B. dela Cruz (Staff Reporter)

Marcos, Ilocos Norte—The municipality of Marcos will soon have its own three-storey new multi-purpose/municipal hall building after a ground breaking ceremony held Feb. 8, 2021, signaling the start of construction.

Ilocos Norte Governor Mathew Joseph M. Manotoc, who served as guest of honor in the groundbreaking, said in his speech that he “strongly expresses his full support with this monumental undertaking of Marcos as their stepping stone of going to a more progressive municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte”.

Manotoc added that the people of Marcos deserve a new municipal building as a “representation and a symbol in the entire municipality and the people itself”.

He applauded the leadership of the Marcos Mayor Antonio Mariano and the whole Sangguniang Bayan headed by Marcos Vice Mayor Hilario Lorenzo for this initiative believing that this town hall will be one of the “nicest town hall in the entire province”.

However, as the construction may take longer than expected, Manotoc expressed hopes that this will not affect the municipal government’s operation so they can continue delivering the services for their people in this town, even with the absence of an actual municipal hall.

Manotoc stressed that this will be the “legacy of Mariano and assured his support for the municipality of Marcos”.

Mariano, meanwhile, thanked the governor for attending the ground breaking despite his hectic schedule saying without his support, the ground breaking was not possible.

“With perseverance and dedication”, Mariano said he “feels proud to come up and realize all the aspirations and development of Marcos despite this town’s classification as fourth-class municipality”.

The first term mayor added that the new multi-purpose building will serve as their backbone in delivering the needed services for the people here.

“If Marcoseños will walk together, work together and pray together, every plan we pray, God will grant us. Let us continue to serve and continue to dream for a more progressive town. Let us join hand in hand and make every dream a reality”, the mayor noted. 

Municipal engineer Marielle Menor also presented the plan for the project. In his presentation, he explained that the old municipal hall was constructed in 1964 and has already passed its 50-year life span. He then said that with its age, it was recommended for demolition and a new 3-storey building shall take its place.

Menor also disclosed that the project will cost PHP131,749,575.21 and is payable in 15 years.

From the main gate to the new municipal building, welcoming people will be a promenade aesthetically designed landscape.

At the main entrance of the building will be the information area and main lobby complete with a main lounge for guests and visitors.  

A multi-purpose hall will be located on the ground floor including a session hall for the Sangguniang Bayan, which will be connected with the existing legislative building.

The second floor will host the different offices of the local government including the office of the chief executive and a staircase with grand view to the lower grounds leading to the third floor for a more office spaces.

Other features of the building include a wide lobby with fountain, a vertical garden, elevator for more convenience and will also be equipped with sprinkler system coupled with fire detection and alarm system.

Looking after the comfort of everyone, there will also be a breastfeeding area, and public comfort rooms.

“Dagiti isu amin a taga Marcos ket nainpapusoan a sumangbay ken pasangbayen iti ‘Balay ti Ili’ kasta met kadagiti isu amin a mayat nga umay ken sumangbay tapnu maidanun kadakuada iti napudno ken nasayaat a serbisyo publiko,” Menor emphasized.

Right after the groundbreaking, Manotoc also led the ribbon cutting of the “Mothering Center” and newly concreted provincial road along Brgys. Ferdinand and Pacifico-Escoda, respectively.