ILOILO CITY — A powerful symbol of the city's journey from aviation hub to economic powerhouse now stands within the bustling Iloilo Business Park. Megaworld Corp. unveiled a 12-foot-tall replica of the old Iloilo airport control tower on August 13, 2026, preserving a tangible link to the province's storied past.
A Gateway to Iloilo's Golden Past
The former Mandurriao Airport was Iloilo's primary doorway to the world for seven decades, from 1937 until its closure in 2007. It was a place of reunion and farewell, where generations of Ilonggos departed for new opportunities and welcomed loved ones home. The airfield also witnessed history, serving as a military site during World War II and welcoming Pope John Paul II in 1981.
The new replica stands along the path where the airport's runway once stretched. It serves as a poignant reminder of that legacy, capturing the spirit of a bygone era. The monument is accompanied by a historical marker placed at the exact location of the original control tower.
A Township Rooted in History
Architect Wilfredo Sy Jr., executive director of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, praised the tribute. He emphasized that heritage is not just about preserving old structures but keeping the soul of a place alive. The replica, he said, provides a tangible link for younger generations to understand where their city took flight.
The monument represents a bridge between past and future. It anchors the modern township to its historical foundation, reminding residents and visitors that the business park stands on rich, historic ground. The old airport site has transformed into a vibrant center with office towers, hotels, and commercial spaces, yet its new identity honors its origins.
An Essential Anchor for Heritage
Sy noted that as Iloilo Business Park thrives as a symbol of modern economic resurgence, the tower replica serves as an essential anchor. It ensures that progress does not erase memory. Instead, the two coexist, creating a unique sense of place that distinguishes the township from other developments.
Megaworld's Head of Estate Management, Don Earl Caagbay, said the replica marks a site that witnessed decades of flights and historic milestones. He added that the township now continues that role by driving the local economy through jobs in retail, commerce, business, and tourism. The tribute connects the site's past contribution to its present purpose.
More Than a Monument: The IBP Art Trail
The control tower replica is the third dedicated monument inside the township. It joins Plaza Delgado, honoring revolutionary hero General Martin Delgado, and the Pagsinapol landmark. Together, these installations form part of the IBP Art Trail, a curated outdoor gallery celebrating Iloilo's identity as a Center for Arts and Culture.
This initiative transforms the business park into a cultural destination, blending commerce with heritage. For tourists and residents, it offers a meaningful experience that goes beyond shopping and dining. It tells the story of Iloilo's evolution and its enduring spirit.
A Symbol of Transformation
The unveiling of the tower replica is a moment of reflection for Iloilo. It celebrates how far the city has come while paying homage to the path it traveled. The old airport may be gone, but its legacy now has a permanent home in the heart of the city's future.
