The city’s newest attractions made possible through a private public partnership – the “Blue Koi Lagoon” and the “Green Butterfly Garden,” in La Paz Plaza – have been officially turned over to the Iloilo City Government by Global Business Power Corp. (GBP) in a ceremony held on April 5.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas was joined by his wife, Rosalie, and the city officials and departments in accepting the projects from GBP executives headed by its First Vice President for Panay Site Operations, Antonio J. Cabalhug Jr. and MERALCO PowerGen Corporation Head of Global Operations and Chief Operating Officer Dominic M. Camu, Jr.
“These are the results of one of our PPP initiatives. These are very important projects nga malipay gid ang mga pumuluyo sang syudad. Additional attraction ini diri sa aton syudad and they show that Iloilo City is liveable,” said Treñas.
The city mayor expressed his profound gratitude to GBP and its subsidiaries Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) and Panay Power Corporation (PPC), for supporting the city’s various initiatives that geared towards making the city one of the most livable cities in the country.
The power firms financed P15-million for the transformation of the existing pond into a Koi lagoon and establishment of the butterfly garden, a brainchild of the city’s First Lady.
La Paz Plaza is the city’s largest park and among the most visited recreational places. Students, mainly from La Paz High School and Elementary, come here to unwind after school. It is also where most families bond every weekend.
Camu, on the other hand, noted that they are one with these kinds of initiatives as these are also aligned with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
“We know the project of the mayor doesn’t stop both in this Koi Lagoon that we have here along with the Butterfly Garden, and we have been very supportive of this initiative given that we are of a view that this really speaks about sustainability. Para ito na yung ipapamana natin sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” said Camu.
GBP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen (MGen), and member of One Meralco Group.
The projects are also integral to their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, particularly in regions where their power plants are located, and aligned with their commitment to sustainability and corporate values.
“In transforming the La Paz Plaza’s lagoon and establishing the Butterfly Garden, our intention is clear: to elevate La Paz Plaza into a modern recreation area for culture and sports—a sanctuary where residents and tourists alike can come together to enjoy, unwind, and nurture creativity,” said Cabalhug. (GSTayona/Iloilo City PIO)
