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Megaworld to build monument for demolished old Iloilo Airport Control Tower?

It is no secret that Megaworld Corporation was the catalyst of Iloilo City's boom that started more than 10 years ago.


The prime developer of townships across the country bought the 54-hectare old Iloilo Airport lot for PhP 1.2 billion as developed it into the premier CBD known as Iloilo Business Park.


Anchored by Festive Walk Iloilo mall, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Iloilo Convention Center, ILOMOCA, numerous BPO offices and luxury condominium towers, the development has changed the over-all landscape of Iloilo City and little remains of what it used to be - an airport.


The only surviving remnant of the old Mandurriao airport is the Control Tower and it serves as a monument to Iloilo's aviation history and Philippine aviation history.


The structure also pays homage to Pope John Paul II, who used the airport on his Iloilo stop during his 1981 visit to the Philippines. (Wikipedia)


And the days of the structure are numbered as demolition of the original structure is currently on-going.


The official Facebook page of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHCC), has posted the following excepts of its meeting last April 13, 2021.
  • The council was informed by Office of the Building Official (OBO) that the structural analysis report was validated and has not passed the minimum standard.
  • Retrofitting is no longer possible.
  • The OBO is waiting for the resolution from the ICCHCC to proceed with the demolition since this the Old Airport Control Tower is structurally unsafe and poses danger to the public and the immediate vicinity.
  • A resolution of no objection to the demolition of the Old Airport Control Tower will be passed on the premise that the commitments undertaken by the proponent shall be fulfilled.


Furthermore, the post continues with Megaworld's proposal on how to preserve the legacy of the old airport despite the demolition of the original structure.


The proponent (MEGAWORLD) has committed to the following in line with their request for demolition:

1. An 8-foot replica of the Old Airport Control Tower shall be developed and will be put on display within the Megaworld Area.


2. A marker shall be installed at the sidewalk of the lot where the Old Airport Control Tower currently stands. The marker shall include an inscription to highlight the history of the control tower.


3. Documentation of the Old Airport Control Tower in the form of photos and as-built plans will be provided to the ICCHCC.

These infos are just limited to the actual Facebook posting and further details will, hopefully be made public by the ICCHCC. Megaworld Corporation, on the other hand, makes official media press releases on the latest developments at Iloilo Business Park, which we'll just wait for the time being.


Photo credits
ICCHCC FB Page, Michael Francis Rafael, Robbie Robles

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