- 80,000 guests attended the inaugurals
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Over 80,000 people attended the inauguration and grand opening of the Kingdome at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Buhangin, Davao City, on September 1.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and members of the Davao City Council were among those in attendance at the KOJC’s Grand Opening of the Kingdome Tuesday evening. Also present was former Congressman Kiko Barzaga who was seen dancing along with members of KOJC in a rollicking tune.
The Police Regional Office-11 reported that the event remained peaceful and orderly despite the large crowd of about 80,000 spectators .
The PNP reported a total of 118 police personnel were deployed, supported by 1,330 personnel from other agencies and units. The security operation started at 1 p.m. and ended at 9:25 p.m.
The opening marked the completion of the Kingdome, a 75,000-seat indoor venue constructed by KOJC, a ministry founded by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. It is now reputed as the world’s biggest covered arena.
Construction began in September 2012 and took about 14 years to complete. Reports have estimated the project cost at around P13 billion.
The venue was originally planned as a worship and gathering facility, but was also designed to accommodate concerts, sporting events, conventions, exhibitions, and other events.
Kingdome is located along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway beside the Davao International Airport complex. It is part of the larger Kingdom Global City development.
Also on Tuesday, the Davao City Council, through a resolution, recognized the Kingdome as a distinctive architectural landmark and an distinctive icon of the city.
The resolution was authored by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang. He said that the venue could help Davao host large-scale religious, cultural, business, and sporting events.
He also said the Kingdome could attract visitors and generate business for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retail stores, and other local businesses.
Dayanghirang also recognized the architects, engineers, construction workers, planners, and other people involved in the project’s development.
The resolution calls for copies to be furnished to KOJC through Quiboloy and to the appropriate offices of the City Government of Davao for information, reference, and official records.
