TWO churches, three plazas, the city central business district and Fort San Pedro, all located in Iloilo City, will be up for restoration and rehabilitation before the year ends.
City lone district Representative Jerry P. Treñas assured their restoration, as he said he will put into effect the provisions of Republic Act 10555 declaring the 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 zones to be preserved for the future generations.
Treñas said a meeting will be held on May 27. Expected to attend are Administrator Mark Lapid of the Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority (Tieza), Department of Tourism officials, Senate President Franklin Drilon, National Historical Institute (NHI) officials, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, and Treñas.
The projects include the rehabilitation of the old Jaro municipal building into a national museum in Western Visayas to be funded by Tieza. About P40 million has been allotted for this project.
Another project is the rehabilitation of the Jaro belfry also to be funded by Tieza and with a cost of P30 million. The restoration of some venerated images at the Molo church will be funded by the NHI.
Treñas said the rehabilitation of the old Jaro municipal hall, where the Jaro police station is currently located, needs a deed of conditional donation from the City Government. In the event the National Museum stopped operation, the building must revert back to the city. (Lydia C. Pendon)