The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bataan has begun the construction of its new Provincial Office Building in Barangay Calaylayan, Abucay, Bataan.

During the groundbreaking ceremony on 10 October 2025, Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Abucay Mayor Erik Martel, DILG Region III Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose, CESO III, and DILG Bataan Provincial Director Belina T. Herman, CESO V, led the event.

Also in attendance were Calaylayan Punong Barangay Priscilla Cordova, Abucay Municipal Assessor and OIC-MPDC Ronald Dacion, personnel of S.M. Severino Construction and Trading, and DILG Region III and Bataan field officers and staff.

Director Herman described the event as the realization of a long-held dream for DILG Bataan. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who made the project possible, especially former Abucay Mayor Liberato “Pambato” Santiago for generously donating the lot where the new office will rise.

Mayor Martel and Governor Garcia reaffirmed the municipal and provincial governments’ full support for DILG Bataan and its programs, recognizing the department’s key role in strengthening local governance and ensuring the continued progress of local government units.

Gracing the event, Regional Director San Jose emphasized that the new building will be constructed with integrity — a reflection of DILG’s core values. She expressed confidence that DILG Bataan personnel will continue to exemplify matino, mahusay, at maaasahang paglilingkod in serving the people of the province.

The ceremony also coincided with the 34th anniversary celebration of the Local Government Code of 1991, giving the occasion greater meaning beyond the symbolism of the golden shovels and buried time capsule.