THE ILOILO City government is asking the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for a P230 million fund to rehabilitate five public parks next year. The city council passed a resolution last week endorsing the letter of request of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Joselito D. Paragas. The five plazas planned for restoration nest year are Molo, Arevalo, Libertad, Jaro and La Paz. Councilor Jose Efraim G. Treñas, citing the mayor’s letter, said the costs based on the City Engineering Office’s assessment are: P75 million for the Jaro Plaza and belfry; P65 million for La Paz; P50 million for Arevalo; and P20 million each for Molo and Libertad. “It is the continuing policy of the local government unit of Iloilo city to provide its constituents with good Public spaces as a venue for enjoying outdoor recreation, community, and promotion of public health and safety to promote environment and attracting tourists and investors,” reads part of the letter. TIEZA has previously funded the P19-million restoration of Sunburst Park, originally known as Plaza de Aduana, which was turned over to the city government in January this year. The restoration was part of the Iloilo Heritage and Urban Renewal Project. Meanwhile, Councilor Treñas said the Mandurriao Plaza has not been included in the restoration plan since it is a relatively new park and may not fall under the TIEZA guidelines. However, he added, a senator has already expressed intent to fund its refurbishment. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

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