Councilor Seeks Public Support via FB for Heritage Design Incentives

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A councilor in Iloilo City is proposing tax incentives for building projects that incorporate Ilonggo heritage-inspired architectural designs but has turned to Facebook to gauge public support before reintroducing the ordinance.

Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia, vice chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means, said his ordinance aims to grant up to 20% in real property tax incentives for new buildings that integrate artistic elements reflecting Ilonggo culture.

In a Facebook post on January 28, Sarabia shared that the proposed ordinance is pending at the plenary, facing what he described as “heavy scrutiny.”

“If this post receives 2,000 reacts, I will reintroduce it again for second reading and push for votation,” he said.

MIXED PUBLIC REACTION

The move has drawn mixed reactions. While some netizens voiced their support for the initiative, others criticized the use of Facebook reactions as a basis for legislative action.

Sarabia clarified in the comments section of his post that the social media engagement was intended only to gauge public sentiment.

“I am a politician. It’s my job to solicit ideas from the public para ma pasar mga layi ta (so our laws can be passed),” he said.

“If you support this ordinance, I will push it again. Simple. I know what I am doing,” he added.

VOLUNTARY HERITAGE DESIGNS

Sarabia emphasized that the proposed ordinance is purely incentive-based and does not impose mandatory requirements on property owners. He also noted that all constructions must comply with the National Building Code.

“All critics and haters are welcome to express their opinions [on] this page. I do not delete your comments even if they are insults,” he said.

“It is my job to listen to you and absorb your opinions. Just don’t be offended when I respond to you in a lawyer way,” he added.

PRESERVING ILOILO CITY’S IDENTITY

Sarabia’s proposal comes as Iloilo City continues its economic growth and development. He warned against the potential loss of the city’s cultural identity, citing the proliferation of generic box-type glass buildings.

“I want Iloilo City to maintain its cultural uniqueness and beauty as expressed in Calle Real and ensure that such identity is replicated throughout the city, similar to how iconic cities like Rome and Paris are easily identifiable from any angle,” Sarabia said.

The initiative follows recent efforts to improve Calle Real, Iloilo City’s historic downtown district, including the removal of dangling wires and cables to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Calle Real, officially known as J.M. Basa Street, is renowned for its well-preserved heritage buildings and stands as a symbol of Iloilo City’s cultural and economic legacy.

Sarabia believes that by incentivizing heritage-inspired architectural designs, Iloilo City can strike a balance between modernization and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

While the councilor has yet to reach the 2,000 Facebook reactions he set as a goal, the ordinance continues to spark discussions about the importance of preserving cultural heritage in urban development.

Sarabia remains optimistic that the public and his fellow legislators will recognize the long-term benefits of maintaining Iloilo City’s unique architectural identity.