KEY GBP PROJECT: La Paz Plaza enriched with new butterfly garden and koi lagoon

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The cityscape of Iloilo City has been graced with the opening of the Butterfly Garden and Koi Lagoon at La Paz Plaza, which were formally presented to the public on April 5.

Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC) First Vice President for Panay Site Operations, Antonio J. Cabalhug Jr., and MERALCO PowerGen Corp.’s Dominic M. Camu Jr. led the ceremonial handover to the Iloilo City Government, with Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and other dignitaries in attendance.

“These are the results of one of our PPP initiatives. These are very important projects that will bring joy to the residents of the city. These additions are significant attractions to our city and they show that Iloilo City is liveable,” Mayor Treñas shared.

He also noted in a social media post that these additions will serve to enhance communal health and leisure.

Acknowledging GBP and subsidiaries PEDC (Panay Energy Development Corp) and PPC (Panay Power Corp), Treñas lauded their support in aligning with the city’s goals for sustainable growth.

The power firms have invested P15 million in the Koi Lagoon and Green Butterfly Garden, a brainchild of the city’s First Lady Rosalie Treñas, enriching La Paz Plaza—a much-frequented urban retreat.

Camu underscored the project’s resonance with their sustainable ethos: “We have been very supportive of this initiative given that we are of a view that this really speaks volumes about sustainability. This is what we will leave for the next generations.”

Cabalhug voiced the objective of transforming La Paz Plaza into a cultural and sporting haven—a place for relaxation and fostering creativity for locals and visitors.

GBP is a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen (MGen), and a member of One Meralco Group. The project is also deemed integral to its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, particularly in the regions where their power plants are present.

Cabalhug expressed the intention behind the transformation of La Paz Plaza, which is to elevate La Paz Plaza into a modern recreation area for culture and sports—a sanctuary where residents and tourists alike can come together to enjoy, unwind, and nurture creativity.

The opening of the Butterfly Garden and Koi Lagoon signifies a new chapter in the development of La Paz Plaza and reinforces the city’s commitment to sustainability and public welfare.

It is hoped that these additions will not only serve as recreational areas but also inspire visitors to appreciate and protect the natural environment for years to come.