Final phase for Iloilo City plaza upgrades set next year

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The last phase of redevelopment projects for Iloilo City’s district plazas will begin in 2026, following the completion and opening of state-of-the-art district public markets, Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said.

In a press conference, Treñas-Chu explained that the city fast-tracked the development of public markets to pave the way for the last phase of plaza redevelopments across the districts.

“Our plazas are already up for final redevelopment.  That is why we expedited the markets — that once those are finished, our next priority for the final phase will be the plazas,” the mayor said.

Iloilo City’s district plazas have undergone phased redevelopments since 2021–2022, initially focusing on heritage conservation, accessibility, and the enhancement of green and open spaces during the administration of former mayor Jerry Treñas.

Phase 1 concentrated on “hard” infrastructure such as pavements, drainage systems, pathways, and assembly areas, cover

These covered Plaza Libertad, which received P19.7 million in drainage works and improvements around the Rizal monument; Jaro Plaza, which was about 80 percent complete by 2022 with restored heritage elements; and Molo Plaza, where the gazebo and statue were rehabilitated through a partnership with SM.

These three parks were designated as Cultural Tourism Heritage Zones under Republic Act No. 10555, which also guaranteed funding for their development, with funding appropriated through the Department of Tourism.

Similar improvements, including brick tiling and basic structures, were implemented in the Arevalo and Mandurriao plazas.

Phase 2 and succeeding works introduced “soft” features such as landscaping, fountains, playgrounds, amphitheaters, solar lighting, and biodiversity enhancements.

La Paz Plaza gained a promenade and fountain worth P75 million, while Jaro Plaza expanded its open spaces following the demolition of the old gymnasium, with total investments reaching about P90 million.

Mandurriao Plaza improvements, funded through the national government, focused on seating and greenery, costing between P10 million and P17 million.

“We saw that our open spaces development had a big impact not just for us but also for the tourists,” Treñas-Chu emphasized.

For 2026, the mayor disclosed plans to further redevelop La Paz Plaza, including the expansion of its gymnasium to accommodate up to 15,000 seats. The existing facility will be extended, allowing the city to host more local and international sports events.

“This is one of the gyms that we will be implementing, but we are also looking into other areas because in each district we plan to have bigger gyms, especially since we can use it as a multi-purpose,” she said.

Earlier this November, Meralco PowerGen Corporation, through its subsidiary Panay Energy Development Corporation, inaugurated a PHP17.3-million international-standard lighting system at the La Paz Plaza Football Ground.

The project features 40 professional-grade lights designed to support evening sports activities, training sessions, and major events at the plaza-based football field.