Fort Santiago opens newly renovated areas

Two areas in Fort Santiago were re-opened to the public on Monday after renovation.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, Tourism Promotions Board COO Cesar Montano and newly appointed Intramuros Administration head Guiller B. Asido led the opening of Paseo Soledad and Plaza Moriones on Monday, April 17.

Landscaping and lighting have improved Paseo Soledad, a portion of the linear park built by the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) along the banks of the river about a decade ago. It is accessible from Fort Santiago through the Postigo Nuestra Sra. de Soledad river gate. Fort Santiago residents passed through this gate to cross the river on rowboats to get to Binondo and Quiapo.

Plaza Moriones now provides an unobstructed view of Fort Santiago's famous gate from Sta. Clara Street. There is a fountain in the center and flowering trees along its sides.

According to Asido, more areas inside Fort Santiago will be seen by the public once the rehabilitation work—funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)—is fully completed. These include the Rajah Soliman Theater, reception venues and the dungeons, all set to open within the year. — BM, GMA News