Lapaz District Plaza

The Lapaz District Plaza is one of the many places families stroll on an ordinary day. This place is widely known in Iloilo as the La Paz Park. It is the pride of Iloilo for its historical significance. With its intrinsic value preserved, the Park went through the process of extensive development to serve as the forefront of urban ecosystem for the future generations.

The new Lapaz District Plaza or La Paz Park celebrated its Grand Opening on March 18, 1998. It was inaugurated by then President Fidel V. Ramos, assisted by his wife Amelita M. Ramos, former DOT Secretary Mina T. Gabor, former DPWH Secretary Gregorio R. Vigilar and Madya-as Foundation Chairman Erlinda M. McCabe.

The Lapaz District Plaza has a land area of about 350 square meters. It is located at the corner of Burgos St and Huervana St. The La Paz Tennis Court is located on one side of the park where regular lessons and games are held every morning and afternoon. Children come here to watch, play and/or learn for a very decent amount. Just approach any of the instructors if you want to enroll your child in Tennis.

La Paz Park

Right beside the tennis court is the La Paz Stage. This is where many activities such as meetings, band showdown, concerts, rallies among many other crowd-gathering events happened. Even though it’s a small stage, it’s made of solid concrete built to last for hundreds of years. Fronting the stage is the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal (see: Rizal Monument in Manila and Rizal Shrine in Dapitan). Underneath it are words written in Spanish, “homenaje del pueblo de la paz a los benemeritos de la patria ericido en agosto 1922“, which indirectly translates to “a tribute to the people of La Paz and the country, erected on August 1922” and “la libertad es tan estimable como la vida y vale mas que todas las riquezas el mundo” which means “liberty is as dear as life and is worth more than all the riches the world”.

Students, mostly from nearby Alpha Crest Christian Academy along Huervana Extension, come here to play after school while parents, together with their kids, stroll and have their bonding time at the grass.

The La Paz Plaza Gazebo is placed near the pond. People can stay at the gazebo or at the benches near the pond to relax and watch the colorful fishes. Swimming and fishing are not allowed anytime.

On the opposite side of Burgos St. is Jereos St. where four of the many churches in Iloilo are located. These are La Paz Church, Philippine Independent Church, Iloilo Trinity Christian Church, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

How to get there

The Lapaz District Plaza or La Paz Park is an easy landmark, especially that most folks and jeepney drivers know and pass by the place very often. From the Iloilo International Airport, take a van (P50-P75) going to SM Supermarket/Jolibee near Jaro Cathedral, fronting Graciano Lopez Jaena Park. Near the church’s gate is a jeepney stop where you can find a Leganes/Lapaz route jeepney. Take that jeepney (P8) and tell the driver to drop you at La Paz Park. It’s like seeing 5 different spots in one area – Lapaz District Plaza and the four churches.

Leganes Lapaz Route Jeepney

Huervana Extension

La Paz Stage

Lapaz Gazebo

Main Entrance of the Park

Statue of Jose Rizal

Tennis Court

Pond and Gazebo

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.