PILAR, Bataan, Philippines — To keep up with the needs of the fast-growing economy of this town, the local government is rushing the construction of its new municipal hall.

The ongoing construction of the new Municipal Hall here came at a time when three-termer Mayor Charlie Pizarro was focusing his attention on the economic development of this once-sleepy town.

Over the last eight years, Pizarro’s wife Alice who chairs the Pilar Tourism Council has been working on tourism programs and pushing for the building of the new municipal hall as a showcase of how far the town has gone in terms of development.

The construction of the new Pilar Municipal Hall is now being rushed and is expected to be finished come December, together with the renovation and beautification of the famous flaming sword, signifying the heroism of the people of Bataan during World War II.

“If finished, Pilar Municipal Hall is no doubt will become the most beautiful town hall in Bataan,” said Engr. Del Mendoza, who designed the new municipal hall.

Despite receiving no compensation from the Municipal government, Alice has been very active in supporting various civic action and tourism programs of Mayor Pizarro’s administration, the latest of which was the putting up of a zip line that will definitely attract foreign and local tourists.

The Sangguniang Bayan here has approved his request for P1.6-million fund for the setting up of a zip line believing this will become a magnet for tourism in this historic town.