TIEZA pledges PHP 250M for Iloilo government center parking

ILOILO CITY — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has committed PHP 250 million for a six-story parking building at the Iloilo provincial government’s Smart Green Government Center in Barangay Bolong Oeste, Santa Barbara.

TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid made the commitment during a site inspection Sept. 16 with Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Santa Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial, and provincial department heads.

The parking building is planned at the main entrance of the government center and is intended to give visitors easier access to government services.

Lapid also requested a dedicated space within the complex for a new TIEZA office.

During the inspection, Defensor briefed Lapid on ongoing developments at the site, including the six-story Multi-Purpose Building Phase I.

The building is intended to house national government agencies that provide frontline services, allowing residents to transact with multiple offices in one location.

The Smart Green Government Center is being developed on a 6.3-hectare property owned by the provincial government.

The complex is planned with four building footprints, with Building No. 1 being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways under a PHP 100 million allocation in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, and the province funding a PHP 250 million expansion, access road, and bridge through the Local Government Support Fund.

Defensor said in August that the province is also eyeing Building No. 3 as a possible site for the Hall of Justice and other Department of Justice agencies.

Under its expanded master plan, the complex is designed to become a comprehensive one-stop center for Ilonggos, with additional facilities including a convention facility, sports stadium, mall, and various commercial spaces.

Lapid’s visit followed a July meeting with Defensor, who sought TIEZA’s support for the completion of the government center, including the proposed convention facility, which has yet to secure funding.