ILOILO CITY—The P50-million new district office of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Antique province has finally opened.
“The completion of the NBI District Office is one of our initiatives to bring government services closer to our kasimanwa. We expect the new district office to facilitate clearance issuance and to further strengthen peace and order programs in the province,” said Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, who was instrumental in finding funds for its construction.
The three-storey building located in San Jose de Buenavista town can accommodate more personnel and offer more services, including having a cybercrime laboratory.
Previously, Antiqueños needed to go to the NBI office in Iloilo City to process documents or seek other forms of services.
“For the longest period of time, finally, our kasimanwa will no longer have to travel far and spend much time and resources in getting investigative and other technical services. We now have our very own NBI Office and convergence efforts with other government agencies for the fight against criminality and on peace and order will be pursued more easily,” Legarda noted.
The construction of the NBI District Office was in accordance with the NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act.
Also in attendance during the NBI District Office inauguration were NBI Director Eric Distor, NBI Assistant Director Medardo de Lemos, Governor Rhodora Cadiao, and Vice Governor Edgar Denosta.
Meanwhile, Legarda also led the unveiling of the newly restored Old Capitol Building and the last remaining Balay nga Bato in the province.