Old Iloilo provincial capitol finally restored

After three years, Casa Real—the old provincial capitol of Iloilo—has finally been restored and opened.

Local government officials led the reopening of the facility, which was restored for P53 million, GMA Iloilo reported Monday.

The provincial government's Facebook page said Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage parish priest Fr. Renato Cuadras blessed the newly restored Iloilo Provincial Capitol building on Friday.

It said the historic building will be the venue of the traditional vin d’honneur on June 12.

For their part, provincial officials are optimistic the newly restored landmark will help boost tourism in the province.

The old capitol is expected to be a venue of events like exhibits.

Meanwhile, provincial officials expect the restoration of the adjacent old Iloilo Provincial Jail to be completed in August.

Once the restoration of the former jail is completed, it is expected to be converted into a museum. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News