Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. favors the removal of the overpass in front of the Department of Tourism and near the Iloilo Provincial Capitol along Bonifacio Drive to give way to their plan of converting the old Rehabilitation Center (IRC) located at the back of the Department of Tourism 6, into a regional museum.

Defensor agreed to DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas’ observation that the overpass obstructs the view of the DOT building, is used as a toilet and is conducive to criminal activities.

Recently, Catalbas requested the City Government to remove the structure.

Defensor said the entire lot where the old IRC building, the DOT and the Hall of Justice stand is owned by the Provincial Government and he wants to beautify the whole area.

The governor said, once the regional museum is operational, this overpass will create inconvenience to tourists who want to visit the place where he plans to put artifacts, souvenirs and other things that depict Ilonggo culture. 

“Mas malipay ako kun makuha ina dira,” he said.

With this plan, the Museo Iloilo will be converted into a place where local artists can display their designs, souvenir and arts.

REVIEW

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has already ordered the City Engineer’s Office to review the feasibility study as well as see why the overpass was built on a non-strategic area.

Jeffrey Celiz, Mabilog’s spokesperson said the mayor could not decide on Catalbas’ request unless there is a go-signal from Engr. Roberto Divinagracia.

“The mayor wants to make sure that once the structure is demolished” it won’t be for nothing especially if later, they will realize that it had some importance after all.

Celiz said the overpass, including the one along West Visayas State University, was built during the time of former Mayor Mansueto Malabor.*