By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Heritage and tourism sites in Iloilo City will undergo rehabilitation.
Select Ilonggo officials met with tourism officials in Manila recently to discuss heritage conservation projects for the city.
The city’s Cong. Jerry Treñas said these projects will be initiated by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the National Museum, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The restoration initiative will begin “before the year ends,” Treñas told Panay News.
“Masugod na ang pagpaobra sang plaza kag belfry. Gina-finalize naman sang National Museum ang estimate sang pagkay-o sang Old Jaro Municipal Building,” he said. “Kumpleto naman ang papeles sang NHCP.”
Treñas authored Republic Act (RA) 10555 or the Iloilo City Heritage Law.
Under RA 10555, the tourism sector is mandated to formulate and implement an integrated development plan for the city’s cultural heritage tourism zone.
TIEZA is in charge of the restoration work for the Jaro Plaza and the Jaro Belfry.
The National Museum and the NHCP will oversee the rehabilitation of the Old Jaro Municipal Building and the Molo Church, respectively.
“These historical churches and structures embody the spirit and rich cultural heritage of the people of Iloilo City,” Treñas said. “We must do our best to preserve our heritage sites for our culture and identity as Ilonggos to perpetuate.”
Also in the meeting were Senate President Franklin Drilon, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Department of Tourism Region 6 director Helen Catalbas, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation’s Narzalina Lim, NHCP’s Maria Serena Diokno, National Museum’s Ana Labrador and Jeremy Barns, and TIEZA’s Guiller Asido./PN
