By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The new Roxas City Hall is expected to be fully operational by 2026, according to Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.
Dadivas made the announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony held Sunday morning, Dec. 1, at Pueblo de Panay in Barangay Lawaan.
The city hall will occupy a two-hectare elevated lot with ample parking space. It is located about a kilometer away from the ongoing construction of the Capiz Provincial Capitol, also situated in Pueblo de Panay.
Funding for the project will come from the local government fund, the 20% development fund, and additional allocations from the national government.
The groundbreaking event was led by Dadivas, Capiz Vice Governor James “Mitang” Magbanua, and other city and provincial officials.
In his speech, Dadivas described the day as one of great pride and joy for Roxas City, calling the project a significant milestone.
He assured the public that the current city hall would not be demolished but preserved as a heritage site to highlight the city’s rich cultural history over the past three decades.
“The bigger and better Roxas City Hall is not just a building. It is a testament to the dreams and aspirations we share for our beloved Roxas City,” Dadivas said.
The mayor recalled envisioning this project during his first term, noting the growing congestion in the city.
“With the growth and development we are experiencing, we must look ahead and create a space that will serve future generations,” he added.
Dadivas emphasized that transferring the city hall would help preserve the heritage zone and historical structures in the city center.
“Urbanization brings progress but can also threaten our history. This decision ensures that our past is preserved even as we embrace the future,” he said.
He revealed that the design of the new city hall draws inspiration from the Manila Central Post Office, incorporating a neoclassical architectural style.
“The Manila Central Post Office symbolizes connection—where voices reach their destinations, people engage with the government, and public servants respond to the needs of the community,” Dadivas said.
