ILOILO City – Mayor Raisa Treñas has defended the designation of the Iloilo Business Park (IBP) in Mandurriao district as “Center for Culture and Arts”, emphasizing that the move recognizes the area’s tangible and consistent support for artistic initiatives — not an attempt to replace the heritage-rich City Proper.
The designation was formalized through Executive Order No. 021 earlier this month, drawing mixed reactions from some heritage advocates who argued that the title should have gone to the City Proper, home to Calle Real, centuries-old ancestral houses, and two public museums.
“City Proper is, and will always be, our heritage district. That’s not in question,” Treñas clarified in a press conference. “But IBP has grown into a cultural hub in its own right, home of two museums, artist gatherings, and continuous support for creative events. It’s become a place where the arts are not just displayed, but actively nurtured.”
Treñas cited several concrete efforts led by IBP developer Megaworld Corporation, including hosting Iloilo’s largest art festival to date, which gathered over eight local art groups in a multi-day celebration. The township also hosts regular exhibitions and provides space and logistical support for various cultural events.
“Sa Megaworld natabo ang pinakadako naton nga art festival. It was the first time in our city’s history that so many local artists came together in one event,” Treñas said. “That kind of support cannot be ignored. They provide space, logistics, and visibility, and most importantly, they never say no when it comes to arts and culture.”
The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), the first of its kind in the Visayas, is located within IBP. The area is also becoming a magnet for national attention, with Treñas noting that National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera recently visited the township.
“BenCab’s visit was not just ceremonial, it shows that national artists are starting to see Iloilo, and specifically IBP, as a creative destination,” she said.
While some critics raised concerns over the lack of formal consultation before issuing the EO, Treñas said the decision was based on visible and impactful contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.
“Ang feedback, we hear it. But if we listen to every single criticism without context, we lose momentum. This designation is based on support that is visible, consistent, and impactful. We are still open to dialogues, and we will always value our artists and historians. But we also have to recognize who’s helping us on the ground.”
She clarified that the move aims to create “multiple strongholds” for Iloilo’s cultural identity.
“This is not a competition. We are building a cultural identity with multiple strongholds heritage in the City Proper, and innovation in IBP,” she said.
The city government is planning several cultural initiatives for 2025, including capacity-building workshops and inclusive festivals to promote local talent. These events, Treñas assured, will be anchored both in IBP and the City Proper to maintain balance.
“This has always been part of our long-term dream, not just mine, but also of former mayor Jerry Treñas. A dream where Iloilo becomes a true center for culture, where our local artists can thrive, and where our heritage is both preserved and reimagined.”
As Iloilo positions itself as a leading creative hub in the region, Treñas called for unity among cultural stakeholders.
“A strong cultural city does not rely on one place or one group — it thrives on collaboration. That’s what we are trying to build here in Iloilo,” she stressed./PN