After a ten-year wait, the city of Portoviejo is set to regain a key institutional building with the opening of the new administrative complex of the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS) in April 2024. This complex will restore services to thousands of affiliates in the same location that was destroyed during the devastating earthquake in April 2016. The facility will be strategically located in front of Centro Comercial 1, on the corner of Francisco Pacheco and Pedro Gual, an area previously home to Filanbanco and later the Banco del IESS (BIESS).

The new infrastructure will not only reactivate administrative services for the IESS but is also expected to stimulate local commerce in the area. The five-story building will feature a basement parking area accommodating 28 vehicles, enhancing accessibility for visitors. With over 300 employees anticipated to work at this new complex, it is projected to serve more than 21,000 monthly consultations for affiliates and retirees from the province of Manabí, according to estimates from the local municipality.

The construction and impending opening of the IESS building mark a significant milestone for Portoviejo, reflecting the community's resilience and determination to recover from past disasters. This development represents not only a restoration of essential services but also indicates a shift towards revitalization and economic recovery in the region, benefiting both residents and local businesses. The reopening is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the social security framework in the area after years of disruption.