Provincial legislative building to be limited to PB operations

Talks are underway at the Capitol to fully maximize the Provincial Legislative Building and dedicate it primarily to the operations of the Provincial Board, as officials seek to address longstanding space constraints.

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The proposal emerged after repeated concerns from board members over the limited number of meeting rooms in the four-story structure, which currently houses not only the Office of the Vice Governor and the Provincial Board but also several national government agencies.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the plan aims to improve the efficiency of legislative work by providing adequate and permanent spaces for committees that regularly convene.

“Limited kaayo ang meeting rooms,” Empaces said.

He explained that with several committees often meeting simultaneously, board members sometimes end up competing for available rooms, affecting the timely conduct of hearings and deliberations.

“Tungod kay limitado kaayo ang rooms, mag-ilog gyud sila og usa ka room,” he added.

Empaces noted that the effectiveness of legislative work has, at times, depended more on room availability than on the urgency of issues being tackled.

He said Governor Pamela Baricuatro has acknowledged the concern and recognizes the need for larger and more functional spaces, particularly as the Provincial Board takes on heavier legislative workloads.