THE Iloilo City Government is urging establishment owners to have their blank walls painted with murals.
This came after Mayor Jerry P. Treñas's brainchild -- painting the metro with colorful and striking street art -- has gained popularity.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Francis Cruz said they are scouting for empty spaces to be converted into creative artworks.
"We will be putting some more in other areas along Muelle Loney. And we have identified wall in Ledesma Street. We will continually look for blank walls that the owner will allow us to use for mural," Cruz said.
"Right now, hopefully, we will start this month as tribute to our indigenous people, the roots of Ilonggos or Iloilo," he added.
A kept-maiden, Rosita Caballero of Binukot tribe of Calinog, Iloilo, was earlier painted at corner Solis Street.
Ilonggo heroes, Graciano Lopez Jaena and Teresa Magbanua, were also painted on walls.
"It's infusing the culture and arts to the bloodstream of the city and into the community," said Cruz.
"The first mural started in Sambag, Jaro and the outcome was aesthetically amazing. And so Mayor Jerry decided to put murals around the city; making the walls attractive," he noted.
The painters were contacted by visual artist Rock Drilon as project coordinator.
City Hall has also transformed as the first and only local government office that has numerous paintings and photos from the lobby to the Mayor's Office at seventh floor. (PR)