SEVEN road projects will be implemented in Iloilo City as part of the convergence program by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The projects aim to rehabilitate and concrete the streets of Donato Pison, Arguelles, Benedicto, Compania-Fundidor, Magdalo -- all leading to Iloilo heritage sites -- and to upgrade, widen and improve the Iloilo City-Tacas Road. The road projects also aim to facilitate tours and ease traffic conditions.
Tourism Department's regional director Helen Catalbas said she, DPWH-Western Visayas' regional director Edilberto Tayao, and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to ensure close coordination among the concerned parties and to efficiently implement the projects under the DOT-DPWH Convergence Program.
Under the MOA, the Tourism Office will provide the local government unit's staff technical assistance to monitor and evaluate the projects' outcome and impact, such as tourist arrivals, related businesses, employment and income.
The tourism road projects were proposed by Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Jerry Treñas, who authored the [Republic Act 10555], which declares Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex as cultural heritage tourism zone.
Under the law, the cultural heritage tourism zone shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism. (LCP/Sunnex)