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A Korean ministry is planning to put up the biggest theological school in Asia with P l billion budget in the hallowed grounds of Mt. Samat in Pilar town, this province, fourth quarter of this year. Pilar Mayor Charlie Pizarro said officials of New Wave, a ministry of Southern Baptist, based in Seoul, South Korea have signified their intention to construct a theological school which can accommodate 2,000 students from Asian countries, Australia, Canada and United States. He said ministry officials are seeking a 10-hectare land adjacent to the foot of Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor where they could construct school buildings worth around P300 million, including dormitories, function rooms and recreational facilities. The said ministry is inviting Mayor Pizarro and Rep. Albert S. Garcia of Bataan's Second District to Seoul this coming April 24 to discuss the mechanics and programs of the religious school. The Korean ministry is expecting to start the construction phase by October or November, this year, if the memorandum of agreement and other pertinent documents are finalized. Pizarro explained that operation of the religious ministry will spur tourism and cottage industries in Pilar, a 4th class town, with about 2,000 students staying four years in the municipality at any given time. He foresees employment opportunities and other benefits from the influx of foreign students and their visitors with the opening of the New Wave ministry school in this town. (PIA - MMIO/Bataan News Service Apr. '05) |
