5 minute read
BLUEPRINTS OF HISTORY: Laying the Foundation for a Livable Iloilo City
words by: D/C FRANZESCA MARI B. BAUTISTA photo manipulation by: MDPN. NICANOR S. CINCO III
The sound of kids’ laughter resonated throughout the open space. The sway of their swings synchronized with that of the leaves, moving back and forth with the gentle breeze.
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The ringing of church bells signaled the start of both the mass and the opening of streetfood stalls. The smell of fried tusok-tusok, grilled barbecue skewers, and freshly-made cotton candy filled the atmosphere.
A group of students practiced their yells in front of Athena’s statue, in what seems to be a cry for help from the goddess of wisdom. Female maritime students entered the gates of Saint Anne Parish Church – a befitting visit for what is known to be “the feminist church”.
That day was filled with the vibrance of Ilonggo spirit amidst the remnants of history–a juxtaposition that was typical for Molo plaza.
The plaza complex, along with Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Iloilo Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Arevalo Plaza Complex, and Plaza Libertad Complex was declared as cultural heritage tourism zones through Republic Act No. 10555.
According to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), cultural heritage tourism zones are ‘areas that will allow the tourist to experience places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the people living in the area, past or present’.
True to its title, Molo Plaza characterizes the ‘City of Love’ and Ilonggos – welcoming, endearing, and most importantly, full of life.
Keeping the People’s Safety in Mind
“Public spaces are very important as they give people a place to rethink and recharge,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
The combination of local funds and privatepublic partnership has made the PHP246-million project possible. He stressed that environments for public interaction impact the quality of urban living, hence, he wants to create a sustainable, livable, and resilient city for Ilonggos. He further added that one of his priorities is “building and improving infrastructures for the benefit of the community”.
With this in mind, Treñas started a massive rehabilitation of Iloilo’s district plazas. The project started in the first quarter of 2021, beginning with the renovation of Plaza Libertad.
An approximate total of PHP 209 million was taken from the local government fund— PHP19 million for Plaza Libertad, PHP 90 million for Jaro Plaza, PHP60 million for La Paz Plaza, and PHP40 million for Arevalo Plaza.
Meanwhile, PHP17 million was provided by the Green, Green, Green 2020 program of the Department of Budget and Management for the renovation of Mandurriao plaza. Molo Plaza was also allocated PHP20 million under the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) through the support of Ilonggo Ex-Senator Franklin Drilon.
“With our desire to bring Iloilo City to the next level, we maximize our potential to create a better environment for our people,” Treñas added.
Hence, a flood control plan will be incorporated in all plazas’ rehabilitation to address the perennial problem of flooding. Particularly, La Paz Plaza will have a retention pond to catch rainwater.
Sustaining Iloilo’s Economy
“Preserving our rich history while promoting the metro’s tourism is one of our huge leaps towards economic growth,” said Treñas. Research has shown that public places such as plazas encourage social interaction and economic activities, which improves the development and desirability of a community. In the US, projects for public spaces have led to an increase in business investments and tourism, an improvement in public and environmental health, and a reduction in crime.
The said benefits would surely be an advantage for Iloilo City, whose economy is anchored on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. In fact, since January, almost 200,000 tourists have graced Ilonggo land. Furthermore, it is part of Iloilo province—the 5th largest economy outside the National Capital Region.
Revitalizing Ilonggo Culture
The Plaza Libertad Complex was where the first Philippine Republic flag was raised in triumph on December 25, 1898, after Spain surrendered Iloilo to the revolutionary forces led by Gen. Martin Delgado. This historic plaza was once surrounded by infrastructures that were slowly disintegrating due to the passage of time. Now, after its first phase of renovation, Plaza Libertad is wider and more open, without fences and grills.
Meanwhile, to further the beautification of La Paz Plaza—the largest of Iloilo City’s district plazas— a blue koi lagoon and green butterfly garden
will be established through the local government’s partnership with Global Business Power Corp.
Funded by the NHCP, Jaro Belfry and Jaro Plaza bandstand are also being rehabilitated. The Jaro Belfry, also known as Campanario de Jaro, was built in 1744. It served both as a religious structure and as a military watchtower—a significant reminder of Iloilo’s history.
On the other side of the city, a new PHP 42-million multipurpose gym will be built to accompany the revitalization of the Arevalo Plaza Complex. Travel 4 kilometers more and you’ll arrive at Molo Plaza, which finished its restoration last June 17.
The reopening of the plaza complex became grander through the local government’s partnership with MORE Power. They also donated the lights to Saint Anne Parish Church which is also located in Molo.
“The revitalization of our district plazas aims to bring back community patronage and appreciation of our public open spaces where ‘everyONE knows every JUAN,’ a diminishing trait or character in an urbanized society,” City Architect Regina C. Gregorio said.
It was a typical evening at Molo Plaza—the sound of children’s laughter resonated throughout. They were playing amidst the dazzling lights surrounding the church, running around the Greek goddesses of the gazebo.
On the other side, Ilonggos of all ages clustered in a local cafe. The endearing tone of the Hiligaynon language filled the atmosphere. The aroma of coffee that permeated the quaint shop fueled their conversation.
The revived architecture of the city laid the foundation for its paragon—a resilient, sustainable, and livable Iloilo. The plaza allowed tourists and locals alike to experience Iloilo as it is–welcoming, endearing, and most importantly, full of life.
JARO BELFRY
One of the few belfries in the country that stood apart from the church where it belonged.
THE MOLO PLAZA GAZEBO
Features six Olympian beauties—Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Hera and Hestia.
PLAZA LIBERTAD SCULPTURES
Sculptures of Greek mythology attributed to Raffaelle Monti
