BAGUIO CITY ,Philippines – World boxing champion and Sarangani lone district Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao does not oppose the proposed renaming of the Sarangani Provincial Capitol as James L. Chiongbian Capitol Building in honor of the late congressman, who founded it.
“Okay naman sa akin at maganda naman ‘yung move,” said the boxing legend who is training here for his fight with Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez.
The renaming of the provincial capitol, which is provided under Draft Ordinance No. 2011-7-08, said the provincial capitol is one of the prominent infrastructure programs initiated by the late congressman.
The Sarangani capitol building was erected in 1993 and inaugurated in 1996 during the incumbency of Chiongbian's wife Priscilla, as governor.
Sarangani was created as a new province from the third district of South Cotabato in 1992.
The draft ordinance said a space will also be provided outside the provincial capitol building for the institution of a statue, signage, memorabilia, and/or any landmarks representing the late congressman and his accomplishments not only for the province of Sarangani but also the whole Socsargen area.