The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 5 (Bicol), through its Sorsogon 1st District Engineering Office (DEO), has completed a PHP258.62-million two-story building that now houses national government agencies in the province.

In a statement on Thursday, DPWH-5 Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte said the building named Sorsogon National Government Center (SNGC) marks the end of years of government agencies renting space in commercial buildings, as they now have a dedicated and purpose-built center.

“With a total floor area of 7,863.63 square meters, the fully furnished building accommodates office rooms for various offices, including the now operational Network Consolidated Cooperative Bank (NCCB), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Cooperative Development Authority, Sorsogon Cooperative Union, and the Bureau of (the) Treasury, which has leased commercial space in the building for almost 30 years since 1990,” he said.

Eduarte added that this month, other agencies like the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), Philippine Red Cross, and additional offices will soon occupy some vacant rooms of SNGC.

In a phone interview, Sorsogon provincial information officer Salvador Mendoza said the newly finished infrastructure project of the DPWH is very timely and effective, especially for the clients of various national government agencies.

“The SNGC is very helpful in the accessibility it gives to its clients. You can find and access some government agencies in just one area. They don’t need to go anywhere. The parking lot is good and spacious,” Mendoza said in Filipino.

Benilda Recebido, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Sorsogon information center manager, said their old office was an outdated structure with limited space.

“Ngayon na nandito na kami sa government center, nagkaroon ng several accessibility enhancements like adjustable work stations at nakakapag-accomodate na kami ng larger clients at nabibigyan sila ng good space and better service (Now that we are here at the government center, there have been several accessibility enhancements, like adjustable workstations, and we can accommodate larger clients and provide them with good space and better service),” she said.

The building also features eight storage rooms located on the roof deck for securing valuables.

Situated in the capitol compound of Sorsogon City, the new building is near the restored historical and neoclassical Sorsogon Provincial Capitol building, adding to the cultural and architectural significance of the area. (PNA)