In the heart of Iloilo City, a chapter of history is rejuvenated. The Old Jaro Municipal Hall, an art deco masterpiece designed by Juan Arellano, has been handed over to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). This significant transfer makes Iloilo the first city in the Philippines to host an NCCA regional and cultural hub, breathing new life into this heritage site.
Mayor Jerry Treñas underscored the importance of this transition during the deed of usufruct signing at City Hall. He referred to the Municipal Hall as “one of the jewels of Iloilo City,” highlighting its historic and cultural significance. Treñas expressed trust in the NCCA’s vision for the site, hoping it will be utilised to its fullest potential.
The signing ceremony included key figures such as NCCA Chairperson Victorino Mapa Manalo and Executive Director Erick Zerrudo, alongside Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon. With plans for the 90-year-old hall to serve as a centre for archiving and heritage conservation, the NCCA aims to elevate Iloilo’s cultural standing across the Philippines.
This art deco structure has symbolised Iloilo’s rich history, undergoing restoration after being donated to the National Museum of the Philippines in 2014. The P20 million renovation project culminated in a reopening in 2017 as a satellite office for the National Museum, later designated as an “Important Cultural Property.”
Under the NCCA’s stewardship, the Old Jaro Municipal Hall is set to expand its role in promoting heritage and culture. Manalo commended Iloilo City for its innovative cultural initiatives, positioning it as a model for others. The NCCA also signed a memorandum with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) to enhance local cultural programmes.
Zerrudo acknowledged IFFI’s expertise in cultural management, stating that the partnership would secure a grant for arts and heritage projects. IFFI President Allan Ryan Tan emphasised the collaboration’s vital role in sustaining Iloilo’s thriving festival scene, as the city strives to earn the title of the Philippines’ festival capital.
The Jaro Plaza Complex, where the Municipal Hall is located, has been recognised as a Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone, showcasing the city’s commitment to preserving its rich legacy. To support this mission, the NCCA has allocated P6.5 million for maintenance and repairs, ensuring that Iloilo’s heritage is cherished for generations to come.
The Old Jaro Municipal Hall in Iloilo City becomes the first NCCA cultural hub in the Philippines. Mayor Treñas emphasises its historic importance, ensuring it will be utilised effectively. The building will serve as a centre for heritage conservation under the NCCA, with IFFI collaborating on local cultural initiatives. The hall’s maintenance is supported by a P6.5 million budget to preserve Iloilo’s rich cultural legacy.
The transformation of the Old Jaro Municipal Hall into an NCCA cultural hub signifies a pivotal moment for Iloilo City, enhancing its cultural heritage and artistic landscape. By investing in conservation and local festivals, Iloilo is paving the way to becoming a cultural powerhouse, preserving its rich history while fostering community initiatives. This collaboration with the NCCA and IFFI promises to inject renewed vitality into the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Original Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
