ILOILO City – The public plaza of La Paz district has a new feature – a koi pond.
It had a soft opening on July 8.
Koi are an ornamental species of fish that descend from the carp.
The pond is close to completion after six months of work.
Mayor Jerry Treñas thanked Global Business Power Corp. (GBP) for this Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to rehabilitate the plaza.
GBP through its subsidiaries Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) and Panay Power Corporation (PPC), both based in La Paz, sealed a partnership with the city government for the enhancement of portions of the two-hectare plaza, the city’s largest park and among the most visited recreational places.
The power firms financed P15-million for the transformation of the existing pond into a “Blue Koi Lagoon” and establishment of a “Green Butterfly Garden,” a brainchild of the First Lady Rosalie Treñas.
“The city did not spend any amount here,” said Treñas.
A total of 2, 000 Koi were released to the pond during the launching.
A ceremonial switch-on of the fountain that compliments the pond was also held.
Meanwhile, the “Green Butterfly Garden” will be positioned on top of the retention pond which is still under construction.
“We appreciate the vision of the mayor to change La Paz into a tourist attraction and more so for the people of Iloilo City,” said GBP president Jaime Azurin.
Treñas said the Zumba area will also be repaired, the fences, walkways and drainage.
The football field will also be improved as well as the plaza grandstand.
The plaza is open to the public every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m./PN
