By Mariela Angella Oladive
Iloilo City is poised to become the first city in Panay with a lighted football ground, following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) for the La Paz Plaza Football Ground Lighting Project on July 12 at Solana Premier in Iloilo City.
This project is a significant multi-stakeholder collaboration involving the La Paz Football Club, Iloilo Guimaras Football Association, and several academic institutions, including La Paz National High School and Elementary Schools I and II.
The initiative aims to enhance sports facilities for the youth in Iloilo City.
PEDC, a subsidiary of Global Business Power Corporation (GBP), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, is contributing Php 16.45 million to install a modern lighting system at the La Paz Plaza Football Ground.
This will enable the facility to be used beyond daylight hours, allowing for evening games, practices, and other recreational activities.
The new lighting system is expected to bolster Iloilo’s reputation as the Philippine football capital and provide a safer, more accessible environment for local athletes.
Mayor Treñas emphasized the importance of the project in promoting community engagement and youth development through sports.
“This is the development we have dreamed about. Through the support of Global Business Power, this project not only enhances our sports facilities but also fosters a sense of community and provides our youth with more opportunities to engage in healthy activities,” he said.
The partnership between the Iloilo City Government and PEDC for the development of La Paz Plaza builds on previous successful collaborations, such as the rehabilitation of the Tennis Court in 2015 and the recent inauguration of the La Paz Plaza Koi Lagoon and Butterfly Garden.
The Iloilo City Government will manage the project’s execution, including securing permits and providing technical support through the City Engineer’s Office. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office will also be actively involved.
Mr. Jaime T. Azurin of PEDC expressed confidence in the project’s positive impact on the community.
“This project aligns perfectly with our CSR goals of promoting sustainability and fostering community engagement, especially in Iloilo City, where PEDC has been operating since 2011. We are confident that the improved lighting system will significantly enhance the usability of the football ground, encouraging greater participation from local residents of all ages,” Azurin said.
The detailed Project Map, Design, and Technical Description have been developed by the Iloilo City Engineer’s Office. The project timeline and anticipated completion date will be announced soon.
