TODAY, whenever I pass by an old familiar place on J.M. Basa Street, Iloilo City, directly across the Mapa Street corner, I miss the old Freedom Grandstand which is no longer there. Instead, there’s the reconstructed pre-war Sunburst Park that unhides the old Iloilo Customs House.
The celebration of the “first salvo” of Dinagyang 2019 the other day saw Mayor Jose Espinosa III gracing the inauguration of the grandstand that had been reconstructed a stone’s throw away at Muelle Loney, fronting the Iloilo River. He called it “Iloilo City Dinagyang Grandstand.”
It seemed okay that a new structure in a new location would be named differently. But not all city officials love the new name. Others, including Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, prefer to retain the name “Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.”
This writer also waxes sentimental for retention of “Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.” It was there in 1966 where I – a freshman college student – regularly watched the weekly “Darigold Jamboree,” a singing contest hosted by the late broadcaster Ramy Dagway. One of the movie stars that guest-sang there was Helen Gamboa, who would eventually become the wife of Sen. Tito Sotto.
Sensing contrary public opinion, Espinosa called the new name “temporary,” aimed at focusing public attention to the upcoming Dinagyang Festival. The naming of the new grandstand would have to undergo due process as mandated by Section 13 of the Local Government Code, which gives the Sangguniang Panlungsod the authority to name or rename public places, streets and structures.
The vice mayor, on the others hand, reminded the media that the old Iloilo Freedom Grandstand was a memorial to the Iloilo City Freedom Law or Republic Act 1209 authored by his later father, then congressman Rodolfo “Roding” Ganzon, empowering the people of Iloilo City to elect their own leaders. Prior to the law’s enactment, officials of Iloilo City were appointed by the President.
Roding went on to win as the first elected mayor of Iloilo City in 1955. It was during his time that Freedom Grandstand rose in what used to be the original Sunburst Park. Unfortunately, it not only eliminated the park but also covered the majestic facade of the Iloilo Customs House, which was built during the American colonial period in the early 1900s.
It is in that context that the relocation of the grandstand is a necessity in fulfillment of a new law restoring historical and cultural landmarks under Republic Act 10555. Authored by Cong. Jerry P. Treñas, it is also known as the “heritage law” providing for seven heritage sites, namely the Jaro Plaza Complex, Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex.
The “heritage law” boosts an earlier law, the Tourism Act of 2009 or Republic Act 9593, declaring tourism as “an indispensable element of national economy and an industry of national interest and importance.”
The law obligates the Department of Tourism (DOT) to accord the old landmarks “a development plan involving construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate facilitate facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism.”
Going back to the new and bigger “temporarily Dinagyang Grandstand” which can accommodate 4,000 people, the place is already fully booked for the 51st Dinagyang Festival’s “Kasadyahan” and “Ati-Ati” competition on Jan. 26 and 27, respectively. In fact, 400 Japanese tourists make up most foreigners who have made reservations.
The bad news is that all tickets for the Freedom Grandstand judging area have been sold out. Magaling kasi ang promosyon.
Congratulations, Department of Tourism regional director Helen Catalbas and city tourism officer Junel Ann Divinagracia. (hvego31@gmail.com/PN)
