Historic Plaza Libertad up for rehab

THE historic Plaza Libertad located at the far end of another historic area, the Calle Real, is up for rehabilitation funded by the Department of Tourism-Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (DOT-Tieza) of more than P4 million.

Formerly known as Plaza Alfonso XIII, a king of Spain, it is one of the six beautifully landscaped plazas in Iloilo. Plazas can be found in each of the districts of Iloilo City, a clear manifestation of the strong Spanish influence in this city.

A groundbreaking rite was held last June 14 to start the plaza rehabilitation as part of the seven heritage sites in this city.

President Benigno Aquino III has signed Republic Act 10555 or the Heritage Tourism Law of Iloilo City last May 15 and the measure was spearheaded by city lone district Congressman Jerry P. Treñas and Senator Franklin M. Drilon in defining the sites as city cultural heritage tourism zones.

Other cultural heritage tourism sites in the city are the Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, and Molo Plaza Complex, which are expected to further enhance the city's claim as the country's top cultural heritage destination.

The plaza projects will include a fountain, skating rink, basket and volleyball courts and other amenities such as sheds, lightings, seats, fastfood stalls, and comfort rooms.

Plaza Libertad had served as a leisure ground in the past for residents of downtown Iloilo and later declared as a historical site by the National Historical Institute in 1996 as recognition for its contribution to the Philippine History and freedom.

The flag of the First Philippine Republic was raised in Plaza Libertad in triumph after Spain surrendered Iloilo, her last Capital in the Philippines to the Ilonggo revolutionaries led by General Martin Delgado of Santa Barbara, Iloilo on December 25, 1898.

The imposing new Iloilo City Hall stands right beside the plaza and on the other side is the San Jose Parish Church, seat of patronal saint Sr. Sto. Niño in which the world famous Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is anchored. A Rizal Monument, refurbished by the Yuchengco Group of Companies, also stands at the center of the plaza.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is endorsing the seven historical sites for tourists and visitors starting with a walk-on visit at the new City Hall building, Plaza Libertad, and along the central business district to see the refurbished heritage commercial buildings and up to Fort San Pedro for a view of the green island of Guimaras across the Iloilo Strait.

Tourists will also be treated to the historical Jaro Cathedral and its plaza complex, the all-women saints Molo Church and its plaza complex, and the newly developed fun center, The Smallville and the Iloilo Esplanade along the diversion highway.

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