Iloilo city: The local government of this highly urbanized city and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) on Monday signed an agreement focusing on the preservation and promotion of historic buildings at the Calle Real. The Project 3: Heritage as Public Policy: Preserving and Promoting Iloilo Calle Real Buildings is funded under the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (CIDS) to be spearheaded by the UPV Center for West Visayan Studies Panay Weaving and Culinary Heritage Program.

According to Philippines News Agency, this collaboration is seen as timely as it aligns with the development goals in the City Proper District, where Calle Real is located. The initiative aims to ensure that heritage preservation and sustainable economic growth go hand in hand. Mayor Raisa Tre±as, who signed the agreement on behalf of the city government, emphasized the importance of strengthening policy direction, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning in managing the city's built heritage. The city government is also working to revive foot traffic and attract new businesses in the city proper.

Currently, three Calle Real buildings have been submitted to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for redevelopment and repainting, with work expected to commence this year. Signing for UPV was Chancellor Clement Camposano, and the agreement was witnessed by UP CIDS Executive Director Rosalie Hall, Local Regional Studies Network Iloilo project leader Mary Rose Rebueno, architect Wilfredo Sy, and Emmanuel Gemora of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council.

The project aims to examine local heritage policies, institutional arrangements, and stakeholder roles affecting conservation efforts along Calle Real to identify policy gaps and governance challenges. The city government will provide the necessary support for the project. Camposano highlighted that heritage must be pursued within a governance and stakeholder framework, ensuring that preservation efforts serve the communities rather than merely focusing on 'beautifying' the past.

Camposano also outlined forward-looking initiatives, including halal culinary offerings to expand Iloilo's tourism market and a proposal to develop the Iloilo River as an ecotourism 'living classroom.' The Calle Real area boasts 21 heritage buildings, while the entire city has over 250 heritage structures.