BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – A proposal to restore Iloilo City’s Customs House, a heritage building, is in the works.
The Americans built the edifice, popularly known as Aduana, along Muelley Loney (Iloilo wharf) at the turn of the 20th century.
The location was strategic. That time, the local sugar industry was booming. The wharf was where sugar was coursed through for export.
Secretary of Finance Cesar Purisima said they are developing a “concept note” on the Iloilo Customs House’s restoration.
It will be called the “Iloilo Heritage and Urban Renewal Project,” said Purisima in a letter to Ilonggo Senate president Franklin Drilon.
“We have also identified a larger area which has potential to be part of the integrated development subject to further study as to the ownership of the land and structures,” said the secretary.
The Iloilo Customs House’s architecture is similar to the customs building in Manila and is said to be the second biggest customs house in the country next to Manila’s. Its most prominent feature is its tall tower.
Today, the Iloilo Customs House still houses the offices of the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration.
When the concept note is ready, Purisima said, they will seek funding from the Project Development and Monitoring Facility of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center for procurement of Transaction Advisors.
The restoration will be a public-private partnership, the Finance chief said.
“The private sector shall be allowed to develop and operate the land and heritage buildings for commercial uses to generate a return on their investment, while the government is able to specify conservation restrictions to the heritage buildings and area at no cost,” he also said.
All developments and improvements in the area will be transferred to the government after the lease period, added Purisima.
Yesterday, Sept. 17, Drilon said the plan will help create jobs and other opportunities in the city.
“The venture provides a good possibility of restoring Iloilo’s heritage structures while at the same time invigorating the local economy,” said Drilon./PN
