ILOILO City – The newly-restored and more beautiful Molo plaza located in Molo district here is now open to the public.
Yesterday, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) which funded the restoration project, officially turned over the Molo plaza to the local government unit (LGU) of Iloilo City.
NHCP chairman Rene Escalante led the turnover and he commended Iloilo City as one of the remaining LGUs in the country that were able to preserve its open spaces like public plazas and its monumental elements.
Escalante noted that the turnover of P20-million completed restoration project of Molo plaza is first and among the series of turnovers that NHCP will be undertaking in Iloilo City within this year.
Other restoration projects funded by NHCP and soon-to-be completed are the Jaro Belfry, the band stand and the Lopez Jaena monument in Jaro plaza, and Custom’s House that will serve as a maritime museum for the whole country.
“Iloilo is one of the places in the country that has the most number of restored projects,” said Escalante.
He thanked Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon for being the sponsor and supporter of NHCP in most of its projects in Iloilo. He said Drilon did not only facilitate the funding of the projects but also helped NHCP when there were problems encountered during the implementation.
Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas also thanked Drilon for his support in all the initiatives of the city especially the restoration projects.
The city mayor reminded the public to take care of the plaza because it belongs to everyone.
For Drilon, who is a native of Molo district, the Molo plaza is significant to him because this has been a part of his childhood. He said he is grateful that he took part in the restoration of the plaza and graced its turnover ceremony just a few days left before he ends his final term as a senator.
On the other hand, the lighting ceremony of the plaza and the Molo Church or the St. Anne Parish Church took place after the turnover.
MORE Electric and Power Corporation, upon the invitation of Drilon, became a partner for the activity with the Iloilo City government and the NHCP highlighting the value of the Molo Church by setting up lighting facilities.
The lights were donated by MORE Power to add value to the restoration of the church and preserve its redevelopment while ensuring its safety to the public.
MORE Power President and Chief Executive Officer Roel Z. Castro said this is part of their contribution to light up Iloilo and make it tourist friendly.”
“While we are here to modernize the electricity services in Iloilo City, a modernization doesn’t mean we have to forget our heritage or our history. This project is a testament why MORE Power is here in Iloilo, again not only to modernize the electricity services or bring down the power rates, but to support the initiative of our local government unit to highlight the reach culture, history and heritage of the Ilonggos,” Castro emphasized./PN
