“The groundbreaking and upcoming construction of the new Murcia Municipal Multi-Purpose Building symbolizes our municipality’s strengths, giving notice to and boosting the confidence of our investors that Murcia is ready for their investments,” Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas said during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday of the town’s latest big-ticket infrastructure project.
Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson was the guest of honor, with 3rd District Board Member Atty. Bambi Depasucat.
Also present were the staff of 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez, Land Bank of the Philippines officials, representatives from the private sector, Murcia Vice-Mayor Johnny Reosura and the Sangguniang Bayan Members, barangay chairpersons and employees, LGU department heads and various other stakeholders.
Situated in a five-hectare lot donated on a 50:50 basis by the Dela Rama and Rojas families, the future government center straddles Barangays Salvacion and Blumentritt along the newly-constructed 4.8-kilometer bypass road, which not only provides an alternative route for people who want to skip the traffic in the town proper but also ushers in a new growth area in Murcia.
“We express our deepest gratitude to the two families whose love for Murcia has paved the way for this momentous project – the Dela Rama Family headed by Anna Dela Rama Biscocho and Luigi Dela Rama, and the Rojas Family represented by our eldest brother, Francis Rojas. This government center is a monument of your family’s and our family’s legacy of service and commitment to Murcia’s progress,” Mayor Rojas said.
Lacson said that the project is a clear reflection of what Murcia has become – a town that continues to move forward steadily and faultlessly.
“The construction of this new municipal multi-purpose building represents not only infrastructure; it is a commitment to better governance, a commitment to efficiency and accessibility in public service, a one-stop shop that brings government closer to the people, and more importantly it is a statement that Murcia is ready for the future,” Lacson pointed out.
“This facility will enhance the delivery of public service while creating opportunities for economic activity, encouraging business growth and driving further development in the surrounding areas. I commend Mayor Gerry Rojas, the local officials and all stakeholders who made this vision possible. Your leadership and dedication are clearly seen in the continued rise of Murcia,” the governor added.
Rojas explained that Murcia has an area of 28,000 hectares, with a population of 90,000 people in 23 barangays. Its population grows almost 10 percent every year, but its pre-war Municipal Building has limited space and could not accommodate the expansion of government services over the years. The LGU was compelled to transfer the offices of some departments in other locations, because they cannot all fit in the old building.
“We envision this new building to be a one-stop shop, where departments will be holding offices in the same building. Today’s groundbreaking signifies not only a new address for government offices, but represents a new, more dynamic Murcia. We are preparing Murcia for the future. We are preparing Murcia for our future generations,” Rojas said.
“Murcia is a first class municipality. We have access roads to all directions, and we are only about 12 kilometers from Bacolod. Murcia is highly elevated, has abundant water, and cool and fresh air. Murcia is a fast-growing municipality, but property prices here are lower than in other nearby localities. Moreover, we have plenty of wide vacant spaces which can accommodate businesses. In fact, many investors have already established resorts, coffee shops and commercial and industrial buildings in our town,” he added.
Reosura pointed out that this project is not only a legacy and a history, but a commitment to better service for the Murciahanons.
“The presence of numerous investors testify to the rapid growth of Murcia. Rest assured that this rapid growth will continue under this administration. This project testifies to the unity of our local and barangays officials, municipal employees and all Murciahanons. When we are united, we can progress fast. Let’s continue being united. Let’s continue serving our people,” Reosura emphasized.*
