P20-M old Capitol restoration proposed
The Iloilo provincial government has allocated P20million for the restoration of the old Capitol situated on the left side of the new Capitol building.
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. said the allocation was included in the 2010 budget that would be approved this month.
Once the budget is approved, Defensor said he wants to start the renovation and construction right away.
He said, however, only parts of the building will be restored.
“We want to preserve the old Capitol by its name because it’s a heritage and symbol for Iloilo,” the governor said.
Part of the plan is to put a bridge connecting the old Capitol to the second floor of the new Capitol building.
Defensor said that once the restoration is completed, some provincial government offices will be transferred to the old Capitol.
“We could not abandon the place. Those who want to transfer could hold office there,” he said.
IRC CASE STUDY
Meanwhile, the University of San Agustin Architecture Department has volunteered to make a case study for the old Iloilo Rehabilitation Center located on right side of the new Capitol.
The USA Architecture Department responded after Defensor announced his plan to convert the area into a regional museum.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the group wrote a letter to the governor expressing their interest to conduct a case study.
Last week, Defensor with Eric Zerrudo, a museum expert, inspected the site.
Banias said the planning will be facilitated shortly.
