KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- From the time the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) began its operations in Soccsksargen Region, they longed to have their own regional office building in order to provide better, efficient and more convenient service for our modern-day heroes, the OFWs.

On Monday, March 20, this dream officially became a reality as OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio, OWWA 12 Regional Director Marilou Sumalinog together with Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo Ogena and other officials broke ground for the construction of OWWA XII regional office building at the Prime Regional Center in Brgy. Carpenter Hill.

OWWA had commissioned the Department of Public Works and Highways to implement the project, which has a budget of P45 million under the 2023 national budget and is expected to be finished later this year.

Director Sumalinog revealed that initial talks for the construction of the said regional office started as early as 2009. In 2014, the City Government of Koronadal signed a memorandum of agreement for the donation of 1,082 square meters lot inside the regional center.

The official added that it is only in this administration that their dream of having a regional office building came into fruition.

“For so long a time, it’s been more than a decade na we’ve been lobbying but only during the time of Admin Arnel na talagang nagkatotoo ang mga pangarap,” she said.

The official also acknowledged the assistance of Rep. Ron Salo of Kabayan Partylist and Senator Raffy Tulfo for their support for the funding of the project which aims to provide better service to the public.

“Sila po talaga ang nakipaglaban. From zero budget to P45 million for OWWA 12 building construction,” Sumalinog said.

Meanwhile, OWWA Administrator Ignacio said this building is long overdue and with the increasing number of clients and transactions being made every day, there is a need to upgrade their facilities.

“Hindi po maliit na bagay itong ginagawa natin. Maaaring doon sa mga mababasa, mapapanood ay parang isa lang ito sa mga balita na dadaan, but this is one very huge project that has gone through so many challenges,” Ignacio said.

“Bunga ito ng pangarap na hindi tinulugan. Nangarap tayo, gumising tayo, inintindi nating mabuti at kinilusan kaya ito na. Makikita na natin na titindig na sa lupang ibinigay sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration,” the official added. (PIA XII)