In a speech, he thanked all partners across various government agencies who contributed to the successful completion of the P50-million convergence center from where Sec. Cimatu said everyone can collaborate and exchange efforts to achieve goals and objectives for a better province of Antique.

He particularly expressed his gratitude to Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao for her support, especially in the relocation of the informal settlers in the area, and to Sen. Loren B. Legarda for appropriating additional funds for the project.

“Wala ako ma-capture kang Antique. Nag-surrender ako,” he added, referring to how he became fond of the province thereby receiving another of his priority

projects, the Malandog River Rehabilitation and Development Project (MaRiReDep).

Meanwhile, according to PENR Officer Untal, the new DENR Convergence Building along Malandog River stands as a symbol of the government’s effort to closely monitor the river and transform it into a promising eco-tourism and livelihood site.

The design of the building is based on the Balangay – the ancient sea vessel used by the first Malay settlers to reach the shores of Antique and, just like it, the DENR hopes that this new convergence center in the heart of Antique will bring the province forward in protecting the environment. (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique)