ILOILO CITY -- The city government here continues to develop parks and open spaces as part of its urban renewal program.
Architect Dolly Anne M. Zoluaga of the City Planning and Development Office said the program seeks to “optimize park and open spaces, which is the strength of Iloilo City.”
She cited that the World Health Organization (WHO) has prescribed nine square meters of open space for every individual.
She explained that as the infrastructure development continues, then people suffer from extreme heat and they become detached from the nature.
However, she said that the urban renewal program makes sure that the environment is being considered and the greeneries that are already present in the surrounding areas are retained.
Part of the program is the development of the Iloilo City Civic Center, which covers areas of the Customs house, old site of the Panay Railway Inc., Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Trade and Industry, Elizalde Building (Commission on Audit), Office of the Congressman, City Hall, Plaza Libertad and other nearby government offices, and institutions such as the San Jose Church and the San Jose Parochial School.
One significant improvement is the restoration of the historic Sunburst Park to be funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority of Department of Tourism to the tune of PHP19.888 million.
Sunburst was named in honor of the American 40th Infantry Division of the same nickname that liberated Iloilo City from the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. It is located where the soon to be relocated Freedom Grandstand stands, just at the back of the Aduana building.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority of Department of Tourism and Bureau of Customs (BOC) for Sunburst Park revival project was signed during the time of former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
Under the MOU, the city government will “maintain, operate, manage and administer” the Sunburst Park once it is finished. BOC owns the park property.
In October 2017, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa signed the development plan and its proposed site development.
Zoluaga said that the urban renewal program seeks to aid “revitalize the economic value of old cities.” She cited that old districts are “under threat” due to development in new areas.
She added that the position of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council is to “improve the installation and encourage the private sector to do their part.” (PNA)
Photo of Architect Dolly Anne M. Zoluaga of the City Planning and Development Office
