ILOILO City – A new beacon of resilient and inclusive governance has risen as the Barangay Tanza Esperanza People’s Center was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, April 28, marking the completion of a P66-million, multi-year, multi-phase infrastructure project.
Spearheaded by Iloilo City’s Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda, the multipurpose building was designed to be more than just a typical government office, serving as a hub for disaster resilience, sustainability, and social reintegration.
The inauguration and blessing ceremony was attended by Rep. Baronda, City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo City District Engineering Office OIC Johnny Jose Pura, Punong Barangay Wilbur Orada, members of the Barangay Council, Rev. Fr. Jose Gerardo Cabaluna, and barangay residents.
Beyond the traditional barangay hall, the two-storey building houses a full-sized basketball court and gymnasium on the upper level, which can also be used as an evacuation center, as it has a kitchen and a shower room. The ground floor accommodates administrative offices and spaces for economic enterprises. The structure also includes a green wall.
“After several challenges, I am happy that you now have your People’s Center. During calamities, when there is a need to evacuate, you now have a sturdy and safe evacuation center; you will no longer need to use our school facilities. You also have a top-of-the-line basketball court,” Rep. Baronda said during the ceremony.
One of the unique features of the People’s Center is a dedicated space for economic enterprises to be managed by the barangay’s rehabilitated residents. This initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for individuals who have completed community-based rehabilitation programs, allowing them to reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Barangay Tanza Esperanza was previously known for challenges related to illegal drugs.
“We want to help our drug rehabilitation graduates rebuild their lives. That is why the space to my right is planned to be given to them for their small businesses. We will work with the Barangay Council to ensure they receive training and startup capital from DOLE, DSWD, or DTI,” Baronda added.
The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with a 50-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system — a strategic feature intended to reduce the barangay’s carbon footprint and ensure a steady power supply during emergencies. This is particularly relevant as the world faces volatile petroleum prices.
Baronda’s other solar-powered projects include the Balabago People’s Center (50kW), San Isidro People’s Center (50kW), Barangay Bolilao Multipurpose Building (10kW), Barangay Magsaysay Multipurpose Building (18kW), Hibao-an Integrated School Building (16kW), and Barangay Burgos People’s Center (20kW).
“What is great about having your own solar panels is that your electricity is essentially free, especially now that power rates have increased due to the oil crisis. You can even sell excess solar power to MORE Power,” Baronda noted.
True to the meaning of the Spanish word esperanza (hope), Rev. Fr. Jose Gerardo Cabaluna said he considers the infrastructure a symbol of hope for the barangay residents.
“We have a dearth of government-owned lots on which to build public structures. That is why we maximize every square inch of available government land — like this site, as well as those in barangays San Isidro, Burgos, and Balantang — to create truly multi-use buildings for the benefit not only of the host barangay but also of adjoining communities,” Baronda added.
Punong Barangay Orada expressed profound gratitude to the “People’s Lawmaker” for her tireless efforts in facilitating the budget required for the project.
“We are very thankful to Cong. Jam Baronda for this huge project. We will take good care of this building,” Orada assured the congresswoman, promising that the Barangay Council would take full responsibility for the maintenance and security of the facility.
Barangay residents also expressed their appreciation. Marianne Dela Cruz Arorong remarked, “Dako gid ang pasalamat namon kay Cong. Jam Baronda. Makahampang ang mga bata sa manami nga basketball court kag gym. Kun may palagwaon diri, ginabutang sa gym. Kanami gid.” (We are very grateful to Cong. Jam Baronda. The children can play in the beautiful basketball court and gym. If there are events, we hold them in the gym. It is very nice.)
Another resident, Mercy Sizon, praised the new basketball court and evacuation center, adding, “Pwede pa kami makabaligya kag makakita kwarta!” (We can even sell goods and earn money!)
Candelaria Tredes shared her joy regarding the comfortable meeting space and the new facilities for their children. She thanked Baronda, saying, “The best ka, Cong. Thank you gid sa People’s Center. Thank you man sa mga ayuda kag assistance mo sa amon.” (You are the best, Cong. Thank you for the People’s Center. Thank you for the various assistance you extended to us.)/PN
