Information about Bohol Provincial Capitol

 Provincial Capitol

The Provincial Capitol houses the seat of the provincial government of Bohol. The old capitol building, which was damaged by an earthquake that struck Bohol in 2013, has been replaced with the new Bohol Capitol Building inaugurated in February 2019.

History and Geology

The old provincial capitol building was constructed in 1860 using traditional stone and lime. According to historical records, workers used 27,300 bricks; 4,325 cavans of lime; 61,000 roofing tiles; and banaba beams and girders to build the fortress-looking structure. The building was used to house the Spanish military forces’ tribunal and garrison facility in Bohol. The tribunal featured the use of molave in the prison cells and bangkal wood for the floors. The building was declared an Important Cultural Property in July 2012. 

The structure was partially damaged by magnitude 7.2 earthquake on October 15, 2013. Today, it is fully restored as the National Museum Bohol, serving as the new center for Bohol’s natural and cultural heritage. The reconstructed and restored building has spaces for the museum’s galleries and offices for staff.

Meanwhile, the new Bohol Capitol Building is said to be the biggest government building in the entire Central Visayas. The building’s architecture features the classic look of the provincial capitol but sports a more contemporary design. It is powered by solar panels and has its own sewage treatment facility, a public address system, and CCTV cameras.

The new four-story structure, which was inaugurated in February 2019, houses the governor’s office on the second floor, while the third floor is for the vice governor’s office, the board members’ office, session hall, and provincial agriculture office.

The building also comprises 48 office spaces, a session hall for its Sanggunian Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), ceremonial hall, viewing hall, fine-dining room, conference room, and viewing deck at the rooftop. Its parking area is large enough for dozens of vehicles and motorcycles.