ILOILO CITY — A group of concerned residents in Alimodian, Iloilo is opposing the construction of a multipurpose hall in their town.
In a letter dated July 23 and addressed to Dr. Rene Escalante, chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the group said there was no public consultation conducted prior to the construction of the PHP4.6 million multipurpose building at the town plaza in the village of Poblacion.
The project is being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The group also claimed that their town plaza is a “heritage space”.
“It is a part of the collective memory of all Alimodianons. Through the years, it has retained its special place in our hearts and minds. It sits at the center of our sense of identity as Alimodianons,” the letter said.
It added that the plaza is a “sacred public space” and “any modification must appeal to the sensitivities of the public.”
In a follow up interview, Mayor Geefre Alonsabe said that he already ordered the temporary suspension of the project last week while some locals are asking for concrete explanation regarding the project.
He said that a consultative assembly is set on August 1 at the municipal hall to “clear-out all the issues” concerning the project.
Alonsabe said the project was being pushed for the good of the people in his town.
He added that he is confident that “98 percent of my people are amenable to the project” because they know what the town needs.
The multipurpose gym will be used for indoor activities such as sports and cultural shows. He added that it may also serve as evacuation center in times of calamities. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
