Jaro鈥檚 historic ‘municipio’ gets new life as NCCA鈥檚 cultural hub
HERITAGE PRESERVATION. The city government here turns over the heritage Jaro municipal building to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), formalized by the signing of the deed of usufruct at the Iloilo City Hall on Thursday (Feb. 13, 2025). Mayor Jerry Treñas said the heritage building is one of the jewels of Iloilo City. (PNA photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY — A piece of Iloilo’s rich history is stepping into a new era.
The Old Jaro Municipal Hall, an iconic art-deco structure designed by Juan Arellano, has officially been turned over to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), marking Iloilo as the first city in the country to host its own NCCA regional and cultural hub.
During the signing of the deed of usufruct at Iloilo City Hall on Feb. 13, Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized the significance of the turnover, calling the building “one of the jewels of Iloilo City.”
Treñas emphasized the building’s historical and cultural importance, expressing confidence in the NCCA’s ability to maximize its potential.
“The Jaro Municipio is one of the jewels of Iloilo City. Iloilo has so many jewels. This is one of the best that we could offer. We hope the Jaro Municipio will really be put to good use,” Treñas said.
Article continues after this advertisementSignatories included Treñas, NCCA Chairperson Victorino Mapa Manalo, NCCA Executive Director Erick Zerrudo, and Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.
Article continues after this advertisementThe NCCA plans to transform the 90-year-old heritage site into a center for archiving, heritage conservation, and other initiatives that will enhance Iloilo’s standing as a cultural powerhouse.
The 90-year-old art deco structure has long been a symbol of Iloilo’s rich heritage.
In 2014, it was donated to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) for restoration, leading to a P20 million renovation project.
The restored hall reopened in 2017 as an NMP satellite office for Western Visayas.
On Feb. 17, 2017, it was officially recognized as an “Important Cultural Property,” further cementing its historical value.
At present, under the NCCA, the site is expected to take on a bigger role in heritage conservation and cultural development.
Manalo commended Iloilo City for its progressive approach to cultural mapping, urban heritage conservation, and underground cabling efforts, calling it a model for other cities in the country.
To further strengthen local cultural initiatives, the NCCA also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), a key player in Iloilo’s vibrant festival scene.
Zerrudo highlighted IFFI’s proven track record in managing cultural programming, noting that the organization would receive a grant to fund arts and heritage conservation projects.
“We’ve seen the performance of this organization and I think they will be able not just to deliver but translate the services of NCCA in Iloilo and even for the whole region,” Zerrudo said.
IFFI President Allan Ryan Tan, who also signed the agreement, stressed the partnership’s importance in sustaining and innovating local festivals, as Iloilo continues its push to be recognized as the festival capital of the country.
The Jaro Plaza Complex, where the Old Jaro Municipal Hall is located, was declared a Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone under Republic Act 10555, a law authored by Treñas during his time as a city district representative.
Ensuring the preservation of the historic site, the NCCA has earmarked P6.5 million for the repair and maintenance of the structure, reinforcing its commitment to keeping Iloilo’s heritage alive.
