Sugbo Performing Arts Center to open on Aug 12

CEBU, Philippines - After 18 years, the Sugbo Performing Arts Center located at the University of the Philippines campus in Lahug, Cebu City will be opened on August 12.

During the inspection yesterday, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn said that whether it is finished or not, she is determined to open the facility as she gave a “non-negotiable deadline” to the contractor.

Garcia also made an announcement during her State of the Province Address last July 15 at the Capitol about the opening of the facility next month.

Garcia got the assurance of the contractor to finish it on the given deadline.

The construction of the said facility and the UP Dormitory started in 1993 during the term of governor Vicente dela Serna.

The center would be the only one of its kind in the entire Visayas with a sitting capacity of 1,600. It will be venue of different kinds of presentations like stage plays and opera showcasing Cebuano culture and traditions.

“We will be collaborating with UP in showcasing Cebuano culture. We need to elevate our culture by providing a world-class venue,” Garcia said.

She stressed that the center won’t compete, but would complement, the Cebu International Convention Center which is also owned by the province. The center is venue of huge assemblies, conventions, exhibits, concerts and even personal functions.

The Sugbo Performing Arts Center will offer a specialized venue for cultural presentations.

Like the CICC, the service of the Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation is also being eyed to market the center.

In 1993, a memorandum of agreement was entered into by the Province of Cebu and UP but the university eventually decided to give the Province full control.

During the inspection made late last year, Garcia said she is not to blame for the delay in the renovation of the center as she only took over the project in 2004 when she assumed as governor and voluntarily decided to pursue the renovation.

Early this year, renovations have been made with a budget of P13 million contracted by Pragmatic Construction.

Capitol consultant Architect Tess Javier said that the inherited structure allowed them to re-mold and dress it up to what is more relevant at this time, and makes it easy to maintain.

Javier described the center as having a “slick and graceful appeal with frontal design, accent of curve lines against a box structure.”

A water feature would be placed in front as long as the budget is approved by the governor, added Javier. (FREEMAN)