PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has signed Republic Act (RA) 10555 declaring seven heritage sites of Iloilo City as cultural heritage tourism zones.

The seven heritage sites are Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex, and Plaza Libertad Complex.

City lone district Representative Jerry Treñas said the law will further enhance Iloilo City’s claim as a top cultural heritage destination of the Philippines.

Treñas said the law will push the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) to allot funds for the restoration, preservation, and maintenance of the historical attraction sites.

Treñas said the sites are added attractions to the city on top of the booming infrastructure development here, adding these will also enhance the tourism potentials of the city as it gears for the hosting of the 2015 APEC Ministerial Meeting. (Lydia C. Pendon)