By Betheena Unite The construction of a P235-million convention center in Cagayan de Oro is now 94 percent complete, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Monday. Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar (FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN) DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Convention Center Main Building located in Barangay Indahag is set for completion before the year ends. The project, which started in February 2018, will house a main arena with concession spaces, club rooms, rehearsal rooms, lobbies, and comfort rooms as well as outdoor parking, guard house, power house, and landscaping. According to Villar, the 10,500-square meter main arena can accommodate up to 7,700 spectators for various events such as competitions, concerts, seminars, and conventions while the function rooms can hold up to 700 guests. It will also have a multi-level carpark building, parking for persons with disability, viewing deck with photoshoot area, helipad, and function rooms, the secretary added. The convention center, which was funded under the 2017 General Appropriation Act, was implemented through a convergence project with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). DPWH Region 10 Director Zenaida Tan said a TIEZA building, restaurant, pavilion, and administrative building will be constructed upon completion of the main building. “Aside from providing an avenue for socio-civic events in the city, we are confident that this center will further boost economic activities in Northern Mindanao by attracting investments and tourists not just in Metro Cagayan de Oro but also in the neighboring areas,” Villar said.