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[av_heading heading=’Capitol mulls developing Bonifacio Drive property ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO City – The Iloilo provincial government is developing its property along Bonifacio Drive, from the Department of Tourism (DOT) building up to the Metro Iloilo Water District.
Renowned architect Paulo Alcazaren and DOT regional director Helen Catalbas discussed with Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. on Nov. 11 the plan to establish a “local government center” in the area.
“The area must have its own activities,” said Defensor. He stressed that he wants the project completed before his term ends in 2019.
According to the governor, they thought of building a plaza/park at the front yard of the planned regional museum (at the site of the old provincial jail) and a multilevel parking space at the back.
Defensor said they can go as far as taking the project up with President Rodrigo Duterte.
“We’ll explain the benefits for not only Iloilo province but also the entire Western Visayas,” he stressed.
Defensor said the regional museum will be a “show window” for Iloilo and Panay Island.
Developing its front yard would make it more attractive to tourists and locals alike, said the governor.
Buildings housing Radyo ng Bayan and the DOT regional office may be demolished. The regional museum will have a spacious front yard without these buildings, Defensor said.
The state-owned radio station may be transferred to the nearby Philippine Red Cross building, while the Red Cross may be relocated to the Iloilo National High School compound in La Paz district where it can erect a new building, he said.
On the other hand, the DOT regional office may be moved to the adjacent Museo Iloilo, which may also serve as a tourist information center and possibly a souvenir center as well, the governor said.
Dealing with Radyo ng Bayan and DOT shall be discussed “very seriously” with the President and Tourism secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, he said.
If the city government agrees, center islands in the area — except for the one that may serve as a rotunda — may be removed, too, said Defensor.
He said capitol is already preparing the budget but did not say how much.
Alcazaren will officially present his proposal on Dec. 9. Defensor estimated the project may start in the first quarter of 2017./PN
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