Capiz inks PHP 1 billion LandBank loan

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The provincial government of Capiz on Tuesday signed a PHP 1 billion loan agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines for four priority infrastructure and development projects.

The agreement was signed Tuesday morning, March 24, at the Office of the Governor in the Provincial Capitol.

The signing came after a public hearing held Dec. 18, 2025, to inform residents about the proposed loan and how the funds would be used.

Of the total amount, PHP 350 million will be used for the rehabilitation of Villareal Stadium, which was built 65 years ago.

The project includes the renovation of the stadium’s facilities, the construction of new bleachers and a Capiz gymnasium, and the building of a dormitory for athletes and kiosks for business purposes.

Another PHP 250 million will be used to complete the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital at Capitol Hills in Barangay Lanot, Roxas City.

Once completed, the provincial hospital will have a 500-bed capacity and will be renamed Capiz Medical Center.

Meanwhile, PHP 300 million will be used to buy a 3-hectare lot near the ongoing construction site of the new Capitol building at Pueblo de Panay.

The same allocation will also fund the construction of the Agora de Capiz structure and a 3D walkable topographical map at the entrance of the new Capitol building.

The remaining PHP 100 million will be used for the purchase of office equipment and the beautification of the new Capitol building.

Earlier, the governor sent a request for authority to negotiate and enter into a loan agreement to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The request was approved after deliberations with Land Bank, with mayors from different municipalities and partner agencies attending the public hearing.

Provincial Budget Officer G. Antonio Arbis said the loan will be payable within two years.

He added that the province has no existing loan.

The signing of the memorandum was led by Gov. Fredenil H. Castro, together with Arbis, PIO and concurrent PHRMO head Atty. Luvim Amores, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Maria Leobeth Deslate-Delicana, 1st District Deputy Administrator Enrique “Ricky” Martin, 2nd District Deputy Administrator Rosemarie Gardose, provincial consultant Eduardo “Boy” Apaap, Land Bank Capiz Lending Center Department Manager Engr. Roy Gonzaga, Vice President Hansen Chu, and West Visayas State Branches Group and Department Manager Gualberto D. Agris.