ILOILO – The tree-laden Libertad Plaza, a historical landmark formerly called Plaza Alfonso XII on the intersection of J.M. Basa, De la Rama and Zamora streets, is getting a new look.
According to Mayor Jerry Treñas, the desire to create a modern and sustainable environment for the Ilonggos pushed the city government to redevelop the century-old plaza.
Yesterday, local officials led by Treñas held a groundbreaking ceremony for the P19.7-million project funded under the 2019 Local Government Support Fund Assistance to City.
“We are maximizing our potentials to create a better environment for our people and develop open spaces, build infrastructure projects that will benefit our community,” Treñas said.
Plaza Libertad is a recreational place for most of the Ilonggos. At the center stands a century-old statue of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
It was also where Spanish colonial forces last surrendered to revolutionaries on Dec. 25, 1898, thus the city’s moniker as the “Last Spanish Capital in Asia.”
On Nov. 17, 2003, the National Historical Institute declared Plaza Libertad a national historical landmark.
According to Architect Regina Gregorio of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), Phase 1 of the project covers 4,000 square meters of the plaza.
The conceptual plan for the rehabilitation was prepared by Architect Paulo Alcazaren in coordination with the CEO. Alcazaren also designed this city’s Esplanade 1 and 2.
The scope of work includes the construction of the drainage system, assembly area fronting the Iloilo City Hall, four pathways converging to the monument of national hero Jose Rizal and the installation of the plaza lighting system and plaza signages.
“We will be reinstalling the heritage architectural monuments around the plaza in Phase 2 of the project,” she said.
The redevelopment, Gregorio added, is just one of the “huge undertakings” of the city government that will “transform the infrastructure landscape” of the metropolis.
“In the urban setting, the luxury of open spaces is limited to a few. This noble project of the mayor aims to bring back the patronage and appreciation of our environment and open spaces reflective of the bygone era and the present day,” she added.
Meantime, Gregorio also said they have just completed the construction of the covered walkways along the city hall that connects to the Kerr compound down to the Sunburst Plaza.
Also soon to rise are the legislative building and the multi-level parking beside the Development Bank of the Philippines./PN
