Sunburst Park was formally turned over by Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to the Iloilo City Government on January 11, 2018. TIEZA COO Pocholo Joselito Paragas and Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III led the turnover ceremonies.
Sunburst came from the name of the United States Army 40th Infantry “Sunburst” Division that helped liberate Panay from the Japanese colonizers.
The Department of Tourism Region VI Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas said Sunburst Park is not just a landmark but a living witness to the struggles and victory of the Ilonggos from the colonizers. She added, “history is as important as the future. We learn from the mistakes of the past so we can make the future better”.
“Each tourism attraction/destination tells a story of the culture, traditions, labors, hardships and triumph of our forefathers that led to a free and progressive community enjoyed by many today”, Director Catalbas concluded.
The Freedom Grandstand used to occupy the spot but was demolished and transferred at the side of the park facing the Iloilo River |
Photo credits: Robbie Robles / Jay Gadong / DOT-VI