By Benjie Cuaresma

A significant event took place on July 20, 2023, as Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan led the topping off ceremony for the new Senate Building Project located in Navy Village, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

A distinguished group was in attendance to commemorate the completion of the building’s structure, including Senators Loren Legard, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, Joel Villanueva, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Ralph Recto, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Ronald dela Rosa, and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Also present were DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, former Undersecretary Antonio Molano Jr., and various Project Directors and Managers involved in the construction.

Secretary Bonoan expressed the ceremony’s importance as it marked a key milestone with the installation of the highest structural component, signifying the building’s progress midway through construction. He emphasized that the new Senate Building would provide an ideal working environment, enhancing the productivity of lawmakers and their staff.

The construction of the building aligns with the Senate’s vision, “Bagong Senado sa Ika-Dalawang Siglo,” aiming to create a green, secure, practical, and iconic workplace for future generations of Senators and their staff.

The project, with an allocation of P8.6 billion, falls under the supervision of the DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Buildings Management Cluster, and covers an area of 18,320 square meters. Once completed, the building will consist of four towers, each with eleven floors, and three basements, providing a minimum of 1,200 parking spaces to cater to the Senate’s needs and operations.

An outstanding feature of the building’s design is the incorporation of the Barong Tagalog, an iconic symbol of honor and Filipino culture, showcasing the nation’s heritage.

The DPWH aims to finish civil works on the new Senate Building by the end of 2024, solidifying its commitment to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that represents the nation’s progress and serves as an efficient hub for the Senate’s important work.

(ai/mnm)