The Iloilo provincial capitol illuminated Iloilo City on Monday night as the redeveloped capitol complex was opened and Christmas ornaments and installations were switched on.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., former Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., and Vice Governor Christine Garin led the unveiling of the complex and the Christmas lighting ceremony.

The P400-million capitol redevelopment project is composed of four phases including the multilevel parking; landscaping of the front of Capitol building up to the Casa Real or the Old Provincial Capitol; improvement of the grounds adjacent to the Western Visayas Regional Museum and the improvement of the power station.

The centerpiece of the redevelopment project is the mural titled “Panaysayun sang Paranublion.” The two-meter by 15-meter mural, which depicts the rich culture and heritage of the province, was designed by Architects Victor Jacinto, Ryan Angelo Braga, Kenneth Torre, and Jorge Cadiao Jr.

It was sculpted by architects Margarette and Albert Pampliega.

In his speech, Defensor Jr. said the most important part of the redevelopment project is its usage and maintenance. “The most important part is how we use and take care of the project, and we are doing that right now. We are implementing the solid waste management program here,” he said.

The governor also noted the redeveloped capitol complex will be one of the attractions in this city, also in line with the present beautification project of the Iloilo city government led by Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Meanwhile, former governor Defensor Sr., who served as Iloilo governor for 18 years, said the redevelopment of the capitol complex is his “last most treasured project for the province and the people of Iloilo.”

The last tangible legacy he left Iloilo is one of his dreams and aspirations when he was a public servant, he said in his speech.

The redeveloped Capitol ground was complemented with the PHP1.7-million Christmas decorations and installations that wowed Ilonggos on Monday evening. (PNA)