ILOILO City – As far as the proposed Iloilo City Sport Arena is concerned, City Administrator Hernando Galvez clarified that nothing is final yet.
Galvez made the clarification following comments that the La Paz public plaza, the proposed location of the sports arena, was a heritage site and therefore must be spared from destruction, demolition, mutilation, damage, modification or alteration.
“All proposals are just proposals. The sports arena proposal would be finalized later on after taking into account everything. But one thing is certain, diri sa aton, we need that sports arena,” said Galvez.
The city government plans to secure a P500-million loan from Landbank of the Philippines for the proposed sports arena.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has authorized Mayor Jose Espinosa III to “negotiate on behalf of the city government” for the loan.
Espinosa said the sports arena is in the 2017 to 2019 Annual Development Plan of the city government and approved by the Iloilo City Local Development Council.
According to Galvez, a feasibility study would be conducted. The arena’s location would be determined by it.
“Ang tanan nga ina depende sa outcome that is why i-consider ang mga terms of agreements,” said Galvez.
In case the location is a heritage site, said Galvez, “In every case there is always an exception. Every rule carries an exception. What is important is ang aton decision is anchored kon ano ang para sa ikaayo.”
The city government envisions a 5,000-seater sports arena and big enough to host international sports events.
“Sports development is one major aspect of our governance,” said Espinosa.
It can help make the city a drug-free community, he explained.
“If we can have sports programs for our people, especially the young, this will complement our antidrug campaign. Be in sports, not on drugs,” said Espinosa./PN
“In case the location is a heritage site, said Galvez…”
Of course, it is a heritage site. Can you name a major city i the Philippines that was founded without a plaza? DUH!