The Iloilo City government, in collaboration with Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) through its subsidiary Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC), officially inaugurated a new PHP17.3 million international-standard football field lighting system at the La Paz Plaza on Wednesday evening.
The project marks a significant milestone, making Iloilo City the first local government unit in Western Visayas to feature a plaza-based football facility equipped with a dedicated lighting system. The new installation, which uses 40 powerful lights, is expected to open new opportunities for local tournaments, night-time training, and sports tourism.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas described the lighting project as “a glowing symbol of what collaboration and shared dreams can achieve,” adding that the facility supports a broader vision of “placemaking” to transform the public space into a vibrant community hub.
Thermal Panay Site First Vice President Antonio Cabalhug noted that the initiative, funded by MGEN and One Meralco Foundation, is not just about power, but about “illuminating possibilities for young athletes” and strengthening the city’s claim as the “football capital of the Philippines.”
The unveiling coincided with the annual launch of the “Paskwa sa La Paz Plaza” (Christmas at La Paz Plaza) holiday decorations. PEDC has previously partnered with the city on other rehabilitation projects at the plaza, including the tennis court, koi lagoon, and butterfly garden.