ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government has once again realized a fruitful project through public-private collaboration, this time with Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) and its thermal subsidiary, Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC).
This as they officially illuminated the La Paz Football Ground in La Paz Plaza on Nov. 12, marking a new chapter for community sports and recreation in the city.
Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized that the initiative forms part of a broader city vision to transform La Paz Plaza into a vibrant, inclusive, and people-centered space. She thanked MGEN and PEDC for being staunch partners in the city’s journey of progress.
“For years, you have been an integral part of our city’s transformation, and today’s milestone once again demonstrates your sincere commitment to the Ilonggo community. We are beyond grateful,” Mayor Treñas said.
With the support of One Meralco Foundation (OMF), MGEN funded the illumination of the La Paz Football Ground in the amount of P17.3-million. It is regarded as the first internationally compliant football lighting system in Western Visayas for a plaza-based facility, a testament to what shared vision and partnership can achieve.
The upgraded field is equipped with professional-grade lighting, enabling evening play, training sessions, and events that strengthen Iloilo’s growing reputation as a hub for grassroots sports and community life.
The Iloilo City Government will oversee the technical operations and maintenance of the facility. The project supports the city’s broader sports development programs such as the Iloilo City Sports Academy (ICSA) and the Sports Kickstarter Program, which offer free training and opportunities for children and youth.
MGEN president and chief executive officer Emmanuel V. Rubio highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering communities beyond providing energy.
“It is a privilege for us to continue serving this community, not only through energy, but through initiatives that uplift lives and empower people. At MGEN, our role goes beyond generating power—it’s about lighting the path toward a better future.”
Mayor Treñas underscored the deeper meaning of the lighting project.
“This project is more than just the 40 powerful lights imported to Panay Island. It is a glowing symbol of what collaboration and shared dreams can achieve. Together with our partners from MGEN and One Meralco Foundation, we are setting a new standard for our city — the first LGU to have a football field within a plaza that meets international football standards.”
She added that the illuminated football ground is a symbol of life and community.
“When we see families spending their afternoons here, or young athletes training under bright lights, we are reminded that development is not just about structures — it’s about people. Sports bring families together and foster discipline, teamwork, and pride. This lighting project will open more opportunities for tournaments, training, and sports businesses, turning our open spaces into centers of life and community,” she added.
MGEN Panay Site head Atty. Antonio “Jun” J. Cabalhug Jr. underscored sustainability and partnership as the core values driving the initiative. He also acknowledged former Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and MGEN Thermal president Jimmy Azurin, under whose leadership the project was first conceived and initiated.
“This collaboration also demonstrates our core beliefs in action: choosing sustainable, internationally standard LED technology that puts safety first, supporting infrastructure that benefits everyone, and partnering closely with the Iloilo City Government to build our collective future,” Cabahug said.
The lighting ceremony coincided with the launching of “Paskwa sa La Paz Plaza”. Joining the city in celebrating the holidays and strengthening community ties, this yearly Christmas tradition, which started when PEDC began its operations in Iloilo City in 2011, has PEDC spreading the Christmas spirit throughout the city by setting up festive decorations at La Paz Plaza./PN
