Manila, Feb. 7 -- A 5,000-seater international convention center will soon rise in this city, providing a world-class venue for events.

House Speaker and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez led the groundbreaking of the three-story building within the 20,620-square-meter lot at the old Leyte Park Hotel complex along the city's Magsaysay Boulevard on Friday.

Officially named the Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center (BRICC), the project will initially cost PHP750 million based on a partially completed feasibility study, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Benjamin Romualdez is the father of the House Speaker who served as governor of Leyte from 1967 to 1986, and Philippine Ambassador to the...