THE so-called Crown monument at Villa plaza has been declared an Important Cultural Property (ICP).
ICP refers to a cultural property having exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance to the Philippines as determined by the National Museum (NM).
NM Director Jeremy R. Barns wrote to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas relative to such declaration.
Barns said they will coordinate a consequent ceremony that may be held in honor of the historic heritage site.
"The Monument to Isabel II and its setting pertaining to the surrounding plaza in Arevalo, Iloilo City, as an Important Cultural Property, was among presumed cultural properties approved by the panel and affirmed by the director for issuance of an official Museum Declaration," Barns said.
The Crown was dedicated to Spanish Queen Isabella II by the women of Villa as the inscription reads.
By virtue of a royal decree, Isabella II also opened the Iloilo Port to world trade, exporting mainly sugar to America, Australia, and Europe in September 29, 1855.
Barns said the list of presumed cultural properties was proposed and considered for designation as an ICP by a panel of experts, who convened last June 27.
The purpose is in line with the pertinent provisions of Presidential Decree 374 or the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act, and Republic Act 10066 or National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. (PR)