|
ILOILO City: Save Calle Real. For decades, business used to flourish
at the old central business district here. But in recent years, the
entry of big investments in other areas of the city has taken its
toll on the once-famous Calle Real.
Mayor Jerry Treñas has acknowledged that Calle
Real suffered but said the entry of bigger malls should also be
encouraged under the spirit of free enterprise.
He, however, has not lost sight of the fact that
Calle Real— that stretch of Iloilo City covering the streets of JM
Basa, Aldeguer, Iznart, Guanco and portion of Ledesma—is
priceless.
“It is very rare that you can find a city with
heritage buildings. It’s really a jewel and we hope that by
understanding and appreciation of this heritage, the rich culture
and heritage here will be preserved,” he had said.
A city ordinance defined heritage buildings here
as those constructed 50 years ago, or more.
Task Force Calle Real was thus formed to oversee
the revitalization of the old central business district.
Recently, Iloilo City got a P4.2-million
technical assistance from the Cities Development Initiatives for
Asia for the restoration of its old commercial business district.
The restoration of Calle Real is one of the
programs of the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council.
The money will be used to conduct a study and
initiate the rehabilitation of old buildings at Calle Real, Treñas
said.
In November last year, Iloilo City hosted a
Heritage Cities Conference facilitated by the National Heritage
Council (NHC). Representatives from the country’s heritage cities,
private sector, nongovernment organizations and academe attended.
Task Force Calle Real is being chaired by
Councilor Eldrid Antiquera with the presidents of business
associations, heritage councils and other private partners as
members.
Treñas noted the need to reinvigorate Calle
Real to make it competitive.
-- Panay News
|
