A CASE STUDY ON THE REVITALIZATION OF PLAZA LIBERTAD ILOILO

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

One thing that is noticeable among the many plazas around the Philippines is that they are compact area of stronghold. Mostly, a plaza held three closely related institutions: 1the church, the administrative center or municipal hall or city hall, and the audiencia or law court. The plaza might be large enough to serve as a military parade ground. That is why most colonial cities in Spanish America and the Philippines were planned around a square plaza de armas, where troops could be mustered, as the name implies. At times of crisis or fiesta, it was the space where a large crowd might gather.

However, there exists a new functional concept of plaza in modern usage: “a plaza can be any gathering place on a street or between buildings, a street intersection with a statue, etc…as a design element, or as an outcome of zoning regulations, building budgetary constraints, and the like.”2

With the advent of contemporary development, the tension between the historical significance and pragmatic usage of plaza in contemporary urbanization grows. The “functionality of an emblematic public space is being negatively affected by environmental and social factors, by problems of accessibility, and by urban development pressures, causing great deterioration of the urban image, as well as civic activity.”3

Furthermore, a renowned urban historian, Fernando Carrion, says, “plaza is the place where we encounter the other, those different from ourselves. It is, therefore, a place where different values and opinions are expressed. He argued that public spaces are being destroyed by the enactment of laws designed to minimize conflict…”

Reflecting on Carrion’s statement, plaza therefore plays a vital role on social integration. The use of public space, and particularly the plaza, is an effective instrument for social cohesion. With this in mind, any change, modification, or alteration of the existing plaza whether it is historical or non-historical, must necessitate the involvement of the community who mostly use it as a place of encountering the other. As Carrion argued, a historical plaza, is therefore all the more important as a democratic place for social life, and as a symbolic place that represents the whole society. The plaza organizes the city. It is a place of encounter, the living room of the city, where debate and civic thought develop.4

A. Guidelines for Plaza Revitalization1 Taken from the World Wide Web: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza2 Ibid.3 Taken from the World Wide Web: http://www.livablecities.org/articles/plaza-place-encounter4 Taken from the World Wide Web: http://www.livablecities.org/articles/plaza-place-encounter

This study embarks to revitalize the general aesthetic value as well as the functionality, and significance of plaza Libertad in Iloilo. Thus the following are the general guidelines set at hand to guide the researchers throughout the study:

1. Pedestrian Oriented2. Attractions and Destinations3. Community Identity4. Flexibility of Use5. Maximize Periods of Use6. Amenities to Enhance User Experience7. Management and Maintenance

B. Objectives of the Study

Mindful of these parameters, the researchers intend to achieve the following objectives:

1. To reconstruct plaza libertad based on the original, if there is any, structure built in early 20th century.

2. To conceptualize plaza libertad based on the historical accounts and narratives, if there is no remnants whatsoever of the old plaza libertad built in the beginning of the 20th century.

3. To merge the past (its historical significance) and the present (the contemporary mode and trend of landscape architecture), in short, to have a“historical-yet-trendy” plaza libertad.

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Since the subject matter of this study is about the revitalization of plaza libertad, it is but proper to explore now and review the existing plaza in general and more so of plaza libertad outside Iloilo. For this study, both samples of local and international plazas shall be dealt comparatively.

A. Plaza de la Libertad, Mexico

This Plaza de la Libertad in Tampico, Mexico, is the true heart of the city. It is the most important point in the center, by the historical value of the buildings that surround it. Among these buildings are the Casa de Castilla, La Campana building, and the building of the Treasury, among others. In the center of the square, a unique kiosk with European blacksmithing can be

seen, and in general, it is noticeable that the buildings all around are highlighted with precisely the same blacksmithing details with which the old houses are also decorated. There is an outstanding monument to the settlers of Tampico, erected in 1923, that stands between the Treasury building and the old Hotel Seville to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the city. On this street you will find access to the food market and the Old Customs building.

What is worth noting in this Plaza de la Libertad in Mexico is harmony and unity of the building surrounding it. The kiosk, in the center with blacksmithing, is radiated in and around through the buildings with same blacksmithing details. Thu, it does not only preserve the historical value but also promotes and creates an impact of coherence to magnet tourists from other locale.

B. Plaza Libertad, Buenos Aires, Argentina

This simple-radial-yet-gorgeous Plaza Libertad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is one of the tourist attractions. The symmetrical arrangement and minimal landscaping exudes the focal point of reference at the center where the monument of the local Argentinian hero, Juan Llavalle is enshrined. Juan Lavalle fought with Jose de San Martín in the wars for independence. His statue is perched on a slender column as the Plaza’s focus, though he seems a little lost in the midst of the underground parking now accessible just to the side of him. 5

5 See http://goargentina.about.com/od/Things-To-Do-And-See/fl/Buenos-Aires-Walking-Tour-Plaza-Lavalle-and-Teatro-Colon-Area.htm

C. Plaza Libertad, El Salvador

After its founding in 1545, San Salvador grew around an empty space called "Plaza Mayor o de Armas", laid out according to the guidelines of the Cuadrícula Española (Spanish Grid). On the south side buildings were built to house institutions such as the Cabildo (city administrative offices), the post office and the public prison, and to the east, the parish church dedicated to Santísimo Salvador del Mundo (the Holy Savior of the World), now the Church El Rosario. The area became the political, economic and religious center of El Salvador in the following centuries.

Plaza Libertad is the location of the Monumento de los Héroes (Monument to the Heroes), a commemoration of the centenary of the "First Cry of Independence" in 1811. The monument is crowned by an "angel of freedom" at its pinnacle holding a laurel wreath in both hands. As a consequence of increased commercial activity, the area around the plaza was enhanced with the construction of the ornate Portal la Dalia in 1915–1916 and Portal de Occidente in 1917.6

6 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Salvador

What is worth noting in this plaza is its imposing monument of “angel of freedom” at the center, and the radial-axial symmetrical arrangement of the rest of the elements found.

D. Rizal Park, Luneta, Manila

The Rizal Monument originally called the Motto Stella (Guiding star) is a memorial monument in Rizal Park in Manila, Philippines built to commemorate the Filipino nationalist, José Rizal. The mausoleum consists of a standing bronze sculpture of the martyr, with an obelisk as his backdrop, set on a pedestal upon which his remains are interred. A plaque on the pedestal front reads: "To the memory of José Rizal, patriot and martyr, executed on Bagumbayan Field December Thirtieth 1896. This monument is dedicated by the people of the Philippine Islands".7

The Rizal Monument was planned and constructed during the American colonial period of the Philippines in the early 20th century. In September 1901, the Philippine Assembly Act No. 243 “granting the right to use public land upon the Luneta in the City of Manila” and upon which “a monument shall be erected to Jose Rizal, the Philippine patriot, writer and poet”. 8

7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rizal_Monument8 http://www.markmaranga.com/rizal-monument-in-luneta-park-manila/

CHAPTER 3 PLAZA LIBERTAD ILOILO: HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION

This is one of the historical sites in Iloilo. And since, this is the subject matter of this study, it is but fitting to discuss its historical significance and development as a chapter.

A. Brief Historical Significance:

Plaza Libertad (formerly known as Plaza Alfonso XII) is one of the 6 beautifully landscaped plazas in Iloilo. Plazas can be found in each of the districts of Iloilo City, a clear manifestation of the strong Spanish influence in this city.

Plaza Libertad on the other hand is located right at the heart of the city, at the far end of the historic Calle Real. It served as the leisure ground in the past for the residents of downtown Iloilo and later declared a National Historical Institute site in 1996 as recognition for its contribution to the Philippine History and freedom.

Where the flag of the Republic of the Philippines last December 25, 1898 was raised as the last Spanish capital in the Philippines who surrendered to the revolutionaries, hence, Iloilo’s moniker as “the last Spanish Capital in Asia”

Same plaza where citizens of Iloilo were called for a meeting to discuss the US “right of sovereignty” over the Philippines on December 30, 1898.9

Through the leadership of General Delgado of Sta. Barbara Iloilo the Philippine flag was raised, signifying the freedom and liberty, for the first time in Sta. Barbara Iloilo. The Philippine was carried secretly by ----. After which the troops paraded going down to Molo shouting “Viva Libertad” “------“ the parade continued downtown until they arrived at plaza Alfonso XII, there the first time in history of Iloilo the Philippines flag was raised again. Thus, from then on the plaza Alfonso XII was called Plaza Libertad.

The flag of the First Philippine Republic was raised in Plaza Libertad in triumph after Spain surrendered Iloilo, her last Capital in the islands to the revolutionaries led by Gen. Martin Delgado on December 25, 1898.

old plaza libertad (1928)

B. Site Presentation

9 Lifted from the book of Department of Tourism

Present plaza libertad (2014)

A Rizal Monument stands at the center of Plaza Libertad and is just one of the monuments dedicated for this Hero here in the city.

Standing right beside Plaza Libertad is the Iloilo City Hall. On the other side of the plaza is the seat of Santo Nino in which the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is anchored, the San Jose Parish Church.

In the surroundings of the plaza includes banks, government offices, ancestral houses and the iconic Iloilo Masonic Temple Building – located in direct opposite of the Catholic Church.

C. Site Visitation

D. Site Translation

After

CHAPTER 4. The Revitalization Approach

A. Historical Elements Ought to be

After researching the historical background of Iloilo Plaza libertad, the researchers have resolved to reconceptualize the existing plaza based on the facts known. First, Plaza libertad has existed since 1898 when the brave ilonggo heroes stood their ground against the colonizers. Prior to 1898 the plaza was known as plaza Alfonso XII in honor of the king of Spain. Historically, the same plaza has gained its new name now because of the

freedom well fought, with a loud cry: “Viva, Libertad!” “Viva, libertad”, followed by the flag raising ceremony. Hence, the centrepiece or the historical marker which is to be given much emphasis is the flag pole with the Philippine Flag raised.

There were unsung a number of heroes behind the freedom gained, their names and identity where unknown to men and women of this age. How does this generation honor them? How would the generation to come honor them? A concrete and symbolic representation of them can be erected reminding all people to remember their heroic acts of “ang mamatay ng dahil sa’yo.” Thus, the researchers propose a triad-sculpture monument s

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Feleo, Anita, ed. Iloilo: A rich and Noble Land. Manila: Lopez Group Foundation, Inc. 2007