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| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office) |
The Provincial Government of Batangas formally inaugurated and opened the Batangas Province Events Center (BPEC) located inside the Provincial Sports Complex in Barangay Bolbok, Batangas City last March 24, 2025. The inauguration of the said facility, which is currently in the final stages of completion, was led by Governor Hermilando Mandanas accompanied by his wife Atty. Angelica Chua-Mandanas and joined by Vice Governor Mark Leviste, AnaKalusugan Representative Congressman Ray Reyes, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Batangas, and officials and heads of national and local government offices in the Provincial Capitol.
The BPEC will serve as a symbol of stability, progress, and unity of the people of Batangas Province according to Governor Mandanas. The BPEC, which was established under Mandanas’ first three terms as governor, will also represent the bravery of the Batangueños, better known and proven in the spirit of and the call “Batangas Magiting”. The events center is also intended to serve as a venue for various activities such as conferences, sports events, assemblies, concerts or performances, and other large-scale gatherings. BPEC's innovations include a basketball court with high-performance sports flooring, a courthouse, public restrooms, a VIP Lounge, locker rooms/dugout, fully air-conditioned facilities and lounges, and an LED centerhung display. The inauguration program began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a Holy Mass led by Sta. Rita De Casia – Batangas City Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Sam Titular and Msgr. Ernesto “Totit” Mandanas. A regular Philippine flag-raising ceremony of the provincial government then took place at BPEC, which was facilitated by the Provincial Assistance for Community, Public Employment, and Youth & Sports Development (PACPEYSDO) office. Among those who participated in and attended the said ceremony were Capitol staff, several Local Chief Executives in the province, officials and members of the Batangas Police Provincial Office, representatives of various national government agencies, several groups and organizations in Batangas, and leaders or representatives of volunteer workers and barangay functionaries in the province.
In his message, Vice Governor Mark Leviste expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the governor, and also to the success of the inauguration and reopening of BPEC, saying, “Ang inyong talino at karanasan, pananampalataya, at karunungan…malasakit at kagitingan ang siyang nagbibigay sa amin ng inspirasyon bilang mga lingkod bayan at Batangueño. (Your talent and experience, faith, and wisdom…care and bravery are what inspire us as public servants and Batangueños.) Your love and passion for our province remain stronger than ever. The inauguration of our newly-renovated Batangas Provincial Events Center [is] a symbol of your vision for a more progressive, thriving, and competitive Province of Batangas.” On the other hand, Governor Mandanas' message centered on the continuous delivery of various services to the public and how Filipino Batangueños continue to be a good example to all. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone for their support and unity for the province. According to the provincial chief, “…ito [BPEC] ay maaaring gamitin, nang sa gayon ay tunay na makakatulong tayo sa ating mga kababayan. Gusto nating ipakita na ginagawa natin ang lahat para lang sa kanilang kapakanan…na magkaroon ng maganda at panatag na buhay. Ito ang ating adhikain. (…this [BPEC] can be used, so that we can truly help our countrymen. We want to show that we are doing everything just for their welfare…to have a good and secure life. This is our goal.)”
The inauguration and opening of the BPEC culminated with performances by PACPEYSDO staff, students of Batangas Province High School for Culture and the Arts, Batangas State University – Alangilan Indak Yaman Dance Varsity, along with Atty. Angelica Chua-Mandanas, and Capitol All-Stars as well as a song presentation by the renowned multi-awarded artist and pop rock singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino which satisfied audiences and completed the day's festivities for them.
(With words by Mark Jonathan M. Macaraig, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office)
