Bataraza is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates two monumental milestones that promise to transform this serene town into a beacon of progress and modernity. From the grand inauguration of the new Municipal Hall to the groundbreaking ceremony of the highly anticipated Bataraza Smart City, the future looks incredibly bright for this Palawan gem.
A Grand Welcome: The New Municipal Hall
In a ceremony filled with pride and hope, Bataraza’s new Municipal Hall was officially inaugurated. Leading the event was the esteemed Mayor Hji. Abraham M. Ibba, accompanied by the dedicated members of the Sangguniang Bayan, department heads, barangay captains, and representatives from various National Government Agencies.
This three-story marvel, built with an impressive budget of ₱130 million, is not just an architectural beauty but a symbol of enhanced public service. Equipped with automatic doors, an escalator, an elevator, and solar power, it promises efficiency and sustainability. A heartfelt message from Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Laurence Amores and Vice Mayor Hon. Johnmain A. Jaafar set the tone for the day’s celebrations, emphasizing the hall’s role in improving public services for all residents.
The ceremony also honored key contributors to the project, including Land Bank of the Philippines, the Municipal Engineering Office, and Cebu 7H Petrochyem Industries Inc., with Certificates of Appreciation. Adding a touch of glamor, Ms. Gloria Mae Salie, Mutya ng Palawan North 2024, was congratulated and commended with a special resolution.
To top it all off, the MSU Kasilasa Dance Troup delivered a captivating dance performance, and Mr. Valentino D. Palasigue, the Municipal Acting Administrator, gave an inspiring closing speech. The event concluded with an exciting office tour and the symbolic turnover of office keys led by Mayor Ibba and Vice Mayor Jaafar.
Dream Big: The Bataraza Smart City Project
If the new Municipal Hall is a sign of progress, then the Bataraza Smart City project is a leap into the future. With a staggering budget of $8 billion (over ₱400 billion), this Malaysian-backed initiative by JJC Group Development Asia SDN. BHD promises to turn Bataraza into a hub of innovation and development.
The ambitious project will span 2000 hectares, starting in Brgy. Inogbong and extending to other parts of Bataraza. It will feature housing buildings, airports, shopping malls, five-star hotels, a cable car system, a stadium, a convention center, a Formula One race track, and much more. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for July 18, and construction is expected to take 5 to 7 years.
JJC President and CEO Jismit Bin Japong expressed their excitement about choosing Bataraza due to its strategic location near Malaysia. With 20 years of experience in the construction industry, JJC is confident this will be their most significant project in Asia. Mayor Abraham Ibba couldn’t be more thrilled, calling the project a dream come true that will bring immense benefits to Bataraza, including job creation and increased tax revenue. Remarkably, the municipal government will not need to contribute financially but will assist with processing legal permits.
Bataraza: A Blend of Heritage and Progress
Named after the influential Datu Bataraza Narrazid, this first-class municipality in Palawan has a rich history and a promising future. Originally part of Brooke’s Point, Bataraza became an independent municipality on January 1, 1964. With a population of over 85,000 as of the 2020 census, it is poised for rapid growth and development.
Geographically, Bataraza is strategically located at the southern tip of Palawan Island, making it an ideal location for new developments. The town’s landscape stretches from the Sulu Sea to the great mountain ranges, offering both stunning coastal views and rugged terrain.
As Bataraza steps into the future with its new Municipal Hall and the groundbreaking Bataraza Smart City project, the town is set to become a beacon of modernity and progress in Palawan and beyond. With the dedicated leadership of Mayor Hji. Abraham M. Ibba and the support of the community, Bataraza is well on its way to realizing its dreams and ambitions.
Stay tuned for more updates as Bataraza continues its incredible journey towards becoming a smart city and a model of sustainable development!
Photo credits to Bataraza Public Information Facebook page
