P230M NEEDED: City plazas rehab await funding from TIEZA

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

The rehabilitation of the five public plazas in Iloilo City awaits funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) on Tuesday passed a resolution endorsing the letter of Mayor Jerry Treñas to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Paragas to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of the plazas of Molo, Arevalo, Libertad, Jaro and La Paz.

“As estimated by the City Engineering Office, the rehabilitation of Jaro Plaza and belfry costs about P75 million; Lapaz Plaza (P65 million), Arevalo (P50 million), Molo Plaza (P20 million),” Councilor Jay Treñas cited the letter request of the mayor in his committee report last Tuesday.

The mayor said the rehabilitation of the Plaza Libertad requires P20 million and they aim to start the project in January 2020.

“It is the continuing policy of the local government unit of Iloilo city to provide its constituents with good Public spaces as a venue for enjoying outdoor recreation, community, and promotion of public health and safety to promote environment and attracting tourists and investors,” read part of his letter to TIEZA.

Councilor Treñas said the city government will not spend any centavo as the funds will come directly from TIEZA.

“After pass sang resolution, macommunicate kita sa TIEZA para madownload ang funds para masuguran kon diin ang priority. Formality request na lang and one of the requirements of TIEZA,” he said.

The councilor said the Mandurriao Plaza will not be included in the funding since it is a relatively new plaza and may not fall under the guidelines of TIEZA.

Despite this, he revealed that a senator has expressed its intent to fund for the rehabilitation of Mandurriao Plaza.

“It is now being lodged at a senator na gusto maghanda sang pondo para sa aton Mandurriao Plaza,” he said.