After years on stand still, the structure is finally getting a facelift as a Cultourism Hub. The transformation officially began with a ground breaking ceremony and time capsule laying led by City Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil, alongside officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Funded under the DILG’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF-FALGU) with an allocation of 10 Million Pesos, the project aims to create a dynamic venue for gatherings, training programs, and cultural events.

DILG Regional Director Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero highlighted the deeper purpose behind the project, describing it as a shared effort between national and local government to bring meaningful development closer to communities.

“This project reflects the shared commitment of the national government and local government units to bring meaningful development to the people”, Sero said.

Sero also emphasized that the hub will serve as a space that nurtures local talent, supports small businesses, and gives cultural workers the recognition they deserve.

“Project like this create opportunities and provide spaces where ideas can grow, where people can connect, and where local initiatives can flourish”, Sero stated.

Beyond the physical structure, the project is seen as a catalyst for growth, an environment where ideas can take shape, connections can be built, and community-driven initiatives can flourish.

For Mayor Araquil, the project carries both developmental and emotional significance. She described the Cultourism Hub as a continuation of the vision of the late Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena, who originally pushed for the rehabilitation of the site. She recalled how the late mayor envisioned transforming the area into a more inviting space. 

“This project is a pet project of Mayor Ogena…[…]…I am here to finish what he started”, Araquil said reaffirming her commitment to completing the initiative.

Despite the initial funding, Mayor Araquil acknowledged that additional resources are needed to fully complete the project.  

“Nagpasalamat sa DILG sa support fund pero kulang pa ng 20M…hihingi pa tayo ng dagdag tulong para tuloy-tuloy na dahil ito’y kasiyahan ng dating Mayor dahil pangarap niyang mabuo na ito”, she said underscoring her determination to deliver the project in full.

(We thanked the DILG for the support fund but we still lack 20M…we will ask for more help so that it can continue for this will make the former Mayor’s happy because it was his dream to have it completed.)

She also called for unity and collective effort, urging stakeholders and the community to work together.

Meanwhile, City Tourism, Culture and Arts Officer Elric Batilaran echoed the importance of the initiative, noting that the Cultourism Hub embodies both the vision and legacy of former Mayor Ogena. He shared that the late mayor believed transforming the shabby structure into a vibrant cultural and tourism space would elevate Koronadal’s standing on the global stage.

“As we are on our course to bid to become the Creative Cities for Crafts and Folkarts, we hope that this place would be a space where culture thrives, where stories are shared and where visitors and locals alike can experience the richness of Koronadal City in terms of our multi-cultural communities”, Batilaran stated. 

With its completion, the Cultourism Hub is expected to become more than just a venue. It will be a home for cultural celebrations, a platform for local talents, and a symbol of the city’s evolving identity. Above all, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, continuity, and a shared vision for progress.

Established in 2020 through Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2020, by former Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena, the CIO’s initiative to formalize a network of BIOs was a direct response to pre-existing challenges in communication channeling and the management of traditional and modern media within barangays. The program’s core objective is to create a robust information dissemination system, ensuring that all Koronadaleños are promptly informed about the current administration’s programs and services.

The CIO’s comprehensive approach involves a series of capacity-building initiatives, including tailored seminars, group coaching, and personalized one-on-one coaching sessions. The recent seminar on March 19 at Habi Hotel equipped BIOs with essential skills in broadcasting, development-oriented storytelling, and social media content planning. In his message, Mr. Romar A. Olivares, City Information Officer, emphasized the significance of these trainings, underscoring the support from City Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil, herself a media practitioner.

Meanwhile, the broadcasting workshop is in preparation for the upcoming relaunch of “Barangay Balita,” where direct reports and community development stories from the barangay will be broadcasted via the “Tingog sang Pagsanyog” program in the months to come.

John Raphael Borra’s success story is a testament to the effectiveness of these programs. His proactive methodology, which includes initiating regular dialogues with his Punong Barangay and the Sangguniang Barangay about weekly priorities and meticulously calendaring his activities, ensures that his information dissemination efforts are both strategic and impactful. Borra consistently goes the extra mile, employing a variety of content formats and leveraging his best practices in data banking and resource management. This dedication has not only earned him consecutive “Most Outstanding BIO” awards but has also significantly improved information flow and community engagement within his barangay. Sharing his expertise with fellow BIOs, Borra emphasized the importance of consistent posting and a strong barangay presence. A key strategy he employs is maintaining a well-organized data bank of publication material templates, ensuring readiness for any need. Borra also actively supports his Punong Barangay, attending events like Liga ng Barangay meetings to stay informed and connected.

The CIOs continuous goal is to bridge the communication gap and ensure that vital information reaches every citizen. Individuals like John Raphael Borra exemplify the kind of proactive engagement the LGU aims to foster.

The CIO’s commitment extends to the institutionalization of the program, with a proposed citywide ordinance currently under consideration by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The office is also encouraging barangays to pass their own ordinances to solidify the program’s long-term impact.

Through continuous capacity-building and the dedication of individuals like Jhon Rafael Borra, the CIO is fostering a more informed, transparent, and connected Koronadal, ultimately enhancing grassroots public service delivery and strengthening the bond between the local government and its constituents.

 City Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil led the groundbreaking and time capsule-laying ceremony, joined by City Vice Mayor Ester M. Catorce, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region XII, headed by Assistant Regional Executive Director for Operations Ray Embajador.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture XII with a budget of over ₱14 million, the facility is expected to provide much-needed support system to the city’s local economic sector. Once completed, it will offer proper storage for fruits and vegetables—helping extend freshness and reduce post-harvest losses commonly faced by farmers and vendors.

For many in the local market, this project represents more than just a new structure. It offers a practical solution to everyday challenges, giving farmers more time to sell their produce at better prices while ensuring vendors have a steady supply of quality goods for their customers.

City officials expressed their gratitude for the support and encouraged vendors and stakeholders to take care of the facility and maximize its beneficial use. They also see the project as a way to strengthen City of Koronadal’s role as a trading hub, improving the distribution of fresh produce not only within the city but also in nearby municipalities. With shared responsibility, officials believe the project can deliver lasting benefits to the community.

Mayor Araquil emphasized that the initiative aligns with her vision of strengthening the local market economy, particularly the Local Economic Enterprises (LEEs), which serve as the backbone of all government operations.

“Ini isa ka pasilidad nga makabulig sa inyo. Nga maka batak manlang kahit papano sang inyo capital kay ining negosyo sang utan kag prutas, pwerte ka budlay…This facility, dako dako ang mabulig para sa aton mga magagmay nga negosyante. Isa lang ang hingyo ko, tipigan, kag sundon ang proseso, iprayoridad ang mga taga Koronadal. Tipigan ang tanan nga proyekto sang gobyerno…” Mayor Araquil stated.

As construction begins, the cold storage facility stands as a simple yet meaningful investment—one that supports livelihoods, reduces waste, and brings hope for a more stable and productive agricultural sector in Koronadal.