fEATURE | DEVCOM
PHOTOS SOurce: bluePrinT.Onemega.cOm
iloilo City: Where the Past Meets the Present wriTTen by MDPN. ANJO D. TUBOC PHOTOS by ILOILO CITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
I
loilo City can be deemed as a virtual time machine that will direct anybody back to its frontier past. The city’s heritage houses and structures are undoubtedly treasures worth keeping as they bring splendor to the local folks and tourists. They are not just manifestation of the city’s rich cultural inheritance but are assets worth maintaining. However, the community found them of no use as they are busy struggling to put nourishment on their tables and provide the basic needs of their family. The community treated them as insignificant as folks pay no attention to its beauty and value. Shopping centers popped out in different spots of the city and gradually outshine the grandeur of its colonial buildings. As a response to the issue, the local government has devised a strategic plan which aims to conserve the city’s heritage buildings in an attempt to thrust economic development through tourism and also improve business activities along the central business district of Iloilo City. THE PAST In 1855, the port of Iloilo was opened to the world trade. In this case, Iloilo’s industry and agriculture were put on direct access to foreign markets. During the 19th century, the sugar industry was
developed and triggered the economic boom of Iloilo. This gave birth to Iloilo City to be called the Queen City of the South. Institutions and establishments were built which are mostly found in the Central Business District and became not just a representation of richness but are evidence to the dominance of Iloilo when it comes to economic, industrial, educational and cultural aspects. Indeed, even outside of the business locale, numerous folks talk about Iloilo City’s prosperous history. The popular Jaro cathedral, as well as the different churches in the city, displays the engineering prowess of the Spanish colonizers. The numerous Catholic schools who were opened up during the Spanish era which up to this date, still molds the minds of the youth. The Camiña Balay na Bato and other decade-old houses that exhibits the unique blend of Spanish and Asian design. However, with the decline of the sugar industry in the city and the Japanese
invasion, it doomed the city’s economy and even left some of the structures of the city in ruins. Sadly, nothing can be done to rebuild nor restore those that were destroyed by the bombs and have been neglected by the people while those that are left unscathed needs to be taken with another look. RESTORING THE PAST The buildings that are left are pieces of evidence of how rich our cultural past, starting from the Spanish colonial era until the end of the Japanese colonization. These are unquestionably a source of pride for every Ilonggo as these are symbols of struggles and perseverance of Ilonggo people through the times. Recognizing this, the Iloilo City Government created the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHCC) by enacting in April 2000 Ordinance No. 00-054 otherwise known as the Local Cultural Heritage Conservation Ordinance. This council serves as the government body which is responsible for heritage conservation and promotion. Through this, the splendor of each cultural structures, especially those located at the Central Business District, will be restored and as
The DOLPHIN | OCTOBER 2019
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