The historic plaza earns recognition at the Haligi ng Dangal Awards 2026 for its successful rehabilitation that blends heritage preservation, environmental sustainability, and modern public space design.
ILOILO CITY — Plaza Libertad, one of Iloilo City’s most historic public landmarks, has earned national recognition after being named a Landscape Architecture Honoree under the Professional Category of the Haligi ng Dangal Awards 2026.
The award, presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), recognizes the plaza’s successful rehabilitation under the leadership of landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren, whose design brought together cultural heritage, ecology, and contemporary urban planning.
Completed in 2020, the rehabilitation transformed Plaza Libertad into a more accessible, inclusive, and vibrant public space while preserving its historical identity.
Preserving Iloilo’s Historic Heart
Located in the old downtown district of Iloilo City, Plaza Libertad is surrounded by important heritage landmarks, including Iloilo City Hall, San Jose Placer Parish Church, San Jose Catholic School, and the historic Masonic Lodge.
The plaza traces its origins to the Spanish colonial period and has witnessed significant chapters in Iloilo’s history.
Among its prominent features are the Rizal Monument, erected in 1917, and four statues created by Italian sculptor Francesco Monti in the 1930s.
These historical elements were carefully preserved and integrated into the plaza’s rehabilitation, ensuring that its cultural significance would remain part of the city’s evolving urban landscape.
A Modern Public Space Rooted in Heritage
The comprehensive rehabilitation, which began in 2019, addressed decades of deterioration while introducing improvements to make the plaza safer, greener, and more welcoming to the public.
One of the project’s major changes was the conversion of a former service road into a public forecourt for Iloilo City Hall, providing additional space for flag ceremonies, civic gatherings, and community activities.
Walkways, lighting, seating areas, and recreational facilities were also improved to encourage greater public use.
The landscape design prioritized the preservation of existing mature trees while introducing additional endemic plants to enhance greenery and ecological sustainability.
Rather than replacing the plaza’s historic character, the project successfully combined its original features with modern amenities and contemporary landscape architecture.
Today, Plaza Libertad continues to serve as a gathering place for Ilonggos, particularly during the late afternoon and evening, when families, friends, and visitors enjoy its landscaped grounds and open spaces.
National Recognition for Filipino Design Excellence
The Haligi ng Dangal Awards recognize outstanding achievements in Philippine architecture and allied arts, highlighting projects and professionals that demonstrate excellence in design and contribute to the country’s built environment.
Plaza Libertad’s recognition under the professional landscape architecture category highlights the importance of thoughtfully designed public spaces that balance heritage conservation, environmental responsibility, and community needs.
The award also places Iloilo City’s historic plaza among the country’s recognized examples of landscape architecture, demonstrating how urban rehabilitation can preserve local identity while responding to the needs of present and future generations.
The awarding ceremony was scheduled for October 3, 2026, at Costa Palawan Resort in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, where Plaza Libertad and landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren were to receive the recognition.
For Iloilo City, the national honor underscores the continuing significance of Plaza Libertad—not only as a historical landmark but also as a living public space where the city’s heritage, environment, and community come together.
