BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Sunburst Park, a historic and recreational landmark here, is now radiating with festive brilliance, echoing the holiday spirit.
Last night, the Florete Group of Companies and the Iloilo City Government jointly hosted a “Christmas lighting ceremony” at the park, located on JM Basa Street.
The “Illumination of Sunburst Park” is designed to transform the park into a communal gathering space for residents during the Yuletide season. Aside from dazzling holiday lights, it also features trees adorned with Capiz shell lamps, adding a traditional Filipino touch.
Dr. Rogelio M. Florete, chairman of the Florete Group of Companies, emphasized the historical significance of the city’s landmarks, including Sunburst Park, which continue to stand proudly. Good city government leadership, he said, is key to the preservation of these landmarks.
Sunburst Park is named in honor of the US Army’s 40th Infantry “Sunburst” Division, which played a pivotal role in liberating Panay Island from Japanese control during World War II.
The park is strategically situated in front of the historic Iloilo Customs House, a landmark constructed in 1916 during the American Colonial Period. This proximity to the Customs House further accentuates the park’s historical significance, linking it to a broader narrative of Iloilo City’s past.
The original name of the park was Plaza de Aduana because it is situated right in front of the Customs House.
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his appreciation for the efforts made to illuminate Sunburst Park, emphasizing the sense of community it fosters.
“I am delighted to see our community coming together, filling our streets with lights and decorations, bringing the warmth and joy of the season to life,” said Treñas.
He extended his gratitude to the Florete Group of Companies for their initiative in beautifying the park.
“Our partnership with the Florete Group of Companies is not just about promoting transparency; it’s also about collaboratively enhancing our beloved city’s radiance during the Yuletide season,” Treñas added.
The city government has been handling the operation and management of Sunburst Park since January 2019 after the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) did an extensive restoration.
The park features a walkway, a chess playground, park benches, parking area, the General Macario Peralta statue, and the Sunburst area. Its revival is in line with the development of the Iloilo Central Business District, which was declared a Heritage Zone by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Last night’s switch-on ceremony was attended by notable figures including Mr. Enrico Jacomille, Board of Director, Bombo Radyo Philippines; Mr. Dante Javellana, Board of Director, Queenbank; Councilor Rudolph Ganzon;, Ms. Margaret Ruth Florete and Mr. Rogelio C. Florete Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Flo Water Resources Iloilo, Inc. and Florete Land, Inc.; Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon; Mrs. Imelda C. Florete, President of R. Florete Pawnshop & Jewelry; Cong. Julienne Baronda; Ms. Raisa Treñas; Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Jelma Crystel Implica; Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna; Councilor Miguel Treñas; and Councilor Uriminico Baronda Jr./PN
