ILOILO CITY’S Sunburst Park, originally known as Plaza de Aduana, was formally reopened last Friday after undergoing a P19-million restoration and development work. Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Joselito D. Paragas, who led the turnover ceremony of the renovated park to the city government, said he hopes that the landmark will be properly maintained for sustainable tourism. “Now that we already turned over this Sunburst Park to the city government, the maintenance and operation management will be under their authority. It’s up to them to develop it or enhance it,” Mr. Paragas said. TIEZA implemented the renovation, which was initiated by Iloilo native Senator Franklin M. Drilon as part of the Iloilo Heritage and Urban Renewal Project. The Sunburst Park, located in front of the Iloilo Customs House, was named after the US Army 40th Infantry Sunburst Division that helped liberate Panay from the Japanese during World War II. The restored public space features a walkway, chess playground, and park benches. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo
