Oton village opens new community gym

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Residents of Barangay Sta. Rita in Oton, Iloilo, now have a permanent venue for community and sociocultural activities following the inauguration of a new multipurpose gymnasium on May 20.

The Iloilo provincial government allocated PHP 4.1 million for the construction of the facility, while the barangay provided a counterpart fund of PHP 1.9 million for additional amenities.

The project is part of the continuing infrastructure development initiatives of the provincial government under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., aimed at improving facilities at the barangay level.

Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson Rizlie Rose Balinas said the barangay previously struggled to find venues for events and often had to borrow courts from nearby schools.

“Before this was completed, we had difficulty finding an area where we could hold our events. Sometimes, we had to borrow the courts of the high school or elementary school just to conduct our activities,” Balinas said.

She added that the new gymnasium has already made it easier for residents to attend and participate in barangay events.

The facility recently hosted the pageant search for the upcoming religious fiesta on May 22 in honor of St. Rita of Cascia.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Board Member Rica Jane Garin; General Services Office chief and former Oton mayor Vincent Flores Jr., who represented Defensor; Punong Barangay Danilo Villacastin; and other barangay officials.

Flores assured residents of the provincial government’s continued support for Barangay Sta. Rita, particularly in the rehabilitation and improvement of classrooms in public schools.