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| CEBU INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER |
The Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) is a three-storey
architectural building located in Mandaue City, Cebu. This
infrastructure was initially built by the Cebu Province for the 12th
ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit, but it is now used for both local
and international conventions held in Cebu. It became the talk of the
town before, during and after its construction, not only because of
its utility but also due to the numerous controversies that it
faced.
GLITCH AND CONTROVERSY
Certainly, time was the enemy when CICC was built because the
ASEAN Summit was already fast-approaching. In effect, everything had
to be done in a rush. In fact, it was done in a span of only nine
months—a relatively small time for a superstructure like the CICC.
Thus, the never-ending and undying controversies attributed to
it.
To begin with, it became controversial upon the bidding
for the construction firm to be contracted. The bidding was said to
be sabotaged since the firm that won the bidding was really expensive
and there were other bidders who offered a more reasonable and
practical price. Another reason that resulted to another controversy
involved the materials used for construction. With the keen
investigation of the concerned Cebuano citizens, the materials were
found to be substandard and overpriced by millions. Lastly, perhaps
the result of the past two controversies, there were already cracks
at some parts of the building which only proves that the materials
used lacked quality. Also, due to time constraints, the stability of
the building was sacrificed.
UTILITY TO THE CEBU PROVINCE
Though the numerous controversies that it faced, it is
undeniably true that CICC is very useful to the Cebu Province. Here
are the reasons why.
First, it helps promote the Cebu Province to
other countries in Asia since it is the home for international
conventions such as the ASEAN Summit (Association of Southeast Asian
Nations) and EATOF (East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum). These
international gatherings can actually help the province in tourism
matters because the delegates of the nations involved can experience
first-hand Cebuano hospitality at the same time the beauty of Cebu in
CICC. Secondly, it aids the Cebu Province in advertising itself to
the other parts of the Visayan Region because the CICC is the venue
for "One Visayas", an annual program wherein different
cities and towns in the Visayas gather together in order to promote
and share their respective towns, culture, products, etc. Lastly, it
generates extra income for the Cebu Province because the CICC is
often rented for local activities such as promenades and
parties.
ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR
Above all the glitch and controversies, it is inevitable for us to
develop a sense of admiration for the CICC since it is blatantly an
amazing architectural showcase.
External Structure
The entire CICC has a floor area of 28,000 square meters. The
building itself is comprised of two rectangular buildings joined
together by a spacious lobby. At the top of the lobby's roof is the
giant arch which holds together the unique W-like projections located
at the back and front of CICC. This W-like projections symbolizes the
word “WELCOME”. The building proper are surrounded by a large
parking lot, to give way for many parking spaces. In front of the
parking lot is a mini park. A flagpole with a giant flag stands at
the center of the park and it is surrounded by 14 more flagpoles
which holds the flags of other nations in southeast asia.
Internal Structure
Upon entering the lobby, a glamorous carpeted staircase will welcome
you but you can opt to take the escalator instead. The staircase or
the escalator will lead you to the inner building of the CICC
which
features an International Media Center, a large Plenary Hall, an
Exhibition Hall, and several Meeting Rooms. The furnitures used
inside the CICC are very sophisticated but this is no surprise since
Cebu is well-known for its world class craftsmanship in furniture
design. In fact, the furnitures inside the building was highly
commended by the delegates of the ASEAN Summit. The convention center
was also appreciated for its complete facilities which will aid in
hosting prestigious conventions.
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My classmate, Valeriza Joy Pingoy, and I
at the Cebu International Convention Center
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