THE Iloilo City Government received the Sunburst Park from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) during the turnover ceremony last Friday, January 11.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III accepted the document from Tieza chief operating officer Pocholo Paragas.
“This is another milestone and historic event for Iloilo City with this new project from Tieza. Rest assured that the City Government will take good care of the Sunburst Park and this will be a venue to remind Ilonggos of our history especially the liberation of Panay,” Espinosa said.
Tieza restored the P19-million open space to complement with the Central Business District (CBD) as Heritage Zone.
It shows the beautiful façade of Custom’s House with walkway, chess playground, park benches, parking area, and the statue of Gen. Macario Peralta, a World War II local hero.
Paragas said the City Government is now in-charge of the maintenance and operations.
“Congratulations to Iloilo City, and moving forward, hoping we can open more like this place. We focus to help local government units to restore tourism places with historic events,” Paragas said.
Formerly known as Plaza de Aduana, the Sunburst Park was nicknamed after the 40th Infantry Sunburst Division that liberated Iloilo City during the war.
Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon who attended the event said the restoration of the Sunburst Park showcases the city’s rich culture.
Drilon also suggested to the city council to study if Sunburst Park can be renamed to its original name Plaza de Aduana. (PR)