House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco led the inauguration of several important projects at the House of Representatives geared at advancing the physical facilities at the Batasan Complex.
The projects would also enhance safety and security, as well as promote the welfare of legislators, employees, and visitors.
The projects, completed through the Engineering and Physical Facilities Department led by Deputy Secretary-General Engr. Floro Banaybanay, included the construction of:
1) Solar Panels, including an inverter panel at the South Wing Annex East Side and roof deck solar panels,
2) South Outdoor Gender Responsive Restrooms,
3) South Screening Facility for Visitors,
4) North Sewage Treatment Plant,
5) South Sewage Treatment Plant,
6) North Lobby Turnstile and New North Elevator,
7) South Lobby Turnstile and New South Elevator, and
8) Renovation of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office.
The installation of solar panels at the SWA building, one of Velasco’s priority projects, would decrease about seven metric tons of carbon dioxide produced by the House annually.
In his inaugural speech, the veteran legislator lauded the Secretariat for successfully executing the plans of the leadership, which would advance the House facilities, enhance safety and security, as well as promote the welfare of legislators, employees, and visitors.
The lawmaker also took the time to express gratitude towards the House for the opportunities to make the most out of his stint as House Speaker.
“Even with little time left, Velasco still continues to push for new amenities and renovations within the complex.”
For his part, Secretary-General Dong Mendoza noted that even with little time left, Velasco still continues to push for new amenities and renovations within the complex.
“Ito pa lang ‘yung tapos na. Meron pa po tayong ongoing projects,” Mendoza said.
“Ang mga projects na ito ay talagang nasa puso ng ating Speaker.”
“Ganyan po kagaling ang ating Speaker Lord Velasco. Ang mga projects na ito ay talagang nasa puso ng ating Speaker,” the Secretary General added.
He called Velasco “the hard working Speaker with a heart”.
The completed projects were blessed by Fr. Rolando Perfecto. Jr. FdCC. Vicar, San Pablo Apostol Parish, Tondo, Manila.
Other House members who joined the program and walked through the facilities were Reps. Johnny Ty Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur), Enrico Pineda (Party-list, 1-PACMAN), Manuel Jose Dalipe (2nd District, Zambanga City), Deputy Minority Leader Stella Luz Quimbo and former Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo. Also present were Sergeant-at-Arms PBGen. Rodelio Jocson (Ret.), Office of the Speaker Deputy Secretary General Atty. Jocelia Bighani Sipin, Inter-Parliamentary and Public Affairs Department Deputy Secretary General Atty. Gracelda Andres, Legal Affairs Department Deputy Secretary General Atty. Annalou Nachura, Legislative Operations Department Deputy Secretary General Atty. David Robert Amorin, Committee Affairs Department Deputy Secretary General Atty. Arlene Dada-Arnaldo, and Internal Audit Department Deputy Secretary General Jose Ma. Antonio Tuaño, CESO II.
