Infra development beneficial for Zambales

Iba, Zambales — The provincial government here stressed on Monday that new projects that spur the growth of the province will put Zambales into world-class status.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said that the new projects will boost the development of Zambales during his birthday celebration at the Balin Sambali in the capitol town last 30 December 2023.

Ebdane said that among the projects is the P500-million upgrade of the Provincial Auditorium and Sports Complex as the provincial government aims to upgrade the area at par with international standards that can hold national and international sporting events here while the new auditorium will be able to accommodate 3,000 visitors.

He also cited that the construction of the new capitol building is underway, adding that the P500 million infrastructure will be built in front of the old one.

Meanwhile, the provincial government approved the construction of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital annex building which will have a total area of 21,738 square meters, with a 264-bed capacity, complimented with up-to-date medical equipment and apparatus.

The provincial government has allotted P500 million for the construction of the said building.

Ebdane also said that relocation plans for the San Marcelino District Hospital is now set in motion, adding that a two -hectare land area is being set aside for the new medical facility.

Another medical facility to be upgraded is the Ospital ng Sta. Cruz which is expected to have a two-hectare land area and will be able to serve not just the people of Zambales, but also some areas in Pangasinan.

The hospital in Candelaria will also be upgraded with a P30-million allotted budget, with Ebdane adding that the provincial government will provide additional funding for the development.

Ebdane also disclosed that they are also set to upgrade the President Ramon Magsaysay State University.

"If we can provide our children with better education here, there would not be a need for them to go to areas away from their families. It is during the time of their tertiary education that the students need the support of their families," Ebdane said.