Iloilo city: The local government and Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), through its Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC), have unveiled a PHP17.3-million international standard football field lighting system in La Paz district. This development marks Iloilo City as the first local government unit in Western Visayas to boast a plaza-based lighted football facility.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Raisa Tre±as emphasized that the lighting project will revitalize the football ground, enabling it to host evening activities and fostering opportunities for local tournaments, training, and tourism. During the unveiling ceremony, she highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “The La Paz Plaza Football Ground Lighting Project is more than just 40 powerful lights imported from China, making it the first of its kind here in our beloved city. It is a glowing symbol of what collaboration and shared dreams can achieve.”

Tre±as further elaborated that this partnership with PEDC is a step towards transforming La Paz Plaza into a vibrant living space that embodies community spirit and identity. She noted, “Each plaza in our city has a story to tell, and we want every Ilonggo and every visitor to feel that story. We call it placemaking – creating spaces that reflect who we are and what we aspire to be.”

Antonio Cabalhug, Thermal Panay Site First Vice President, stated that the project is funded by MGEN, through PEDC and One Meralco Foundation, with the city government providing the design and technical specifications. He remarked, “I see the first lighted public plaza football ground in all of Panay Island, where young athletes will chase their aspirations under the stars, where families will create lasting memories, and where our community will continue to shine as the football capital of the Philippines.”

The project coincided with the launch of “Paskwa sa La Paz Plaza” (Christmas at La Paz Plaza), an annual tradition featuring festive decorations within the public space, which began when PEDC started operations in Iloilo City in 2011. Additionally, the power firm has contributed to the community by rehabilitating the plaza’s tennis court and establishing a koi lagoon and butterfly garden.