The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has officially declared the central business district or the Calle Real right in the heart of Iloilo City as a heritage zone and historical landmark.

NHCP chairperson Dr. Serena Diokno said that Calle Real joins Silay City in Negros Occidental as the only two declared heritage zones in the Visayas.

Dubbed as the "Jewel of Iloilo City and district cultural heritage site," Calle Real is a great reminder that the Ilonggos are keepers of their forefather’s legacy.

The unveiling of the marker on August 8, 2015 marked the declaration of the CBD as the “Distrito Pangkomersyo ng Lungsod ng Iloilo Bilang Pook Pamana”.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was enthusiastic over the NHCP declaration of Calle Real in support of the city government's initiative in cooperation with the Iloilo City Heritage Foundation, Iloilo Cultural Conservation Council and the Iloilo Business Club.

Mabilog suggested that the NHCP help the city in restoring the more than 70 years old Ker and Co. building as NHCP is also helping restore through the Tourism Infrastructure Enhancement Authority (TIEZA) the nearby COA building, formerly the old Elizalde building, beside the Iloilo City Hall.

Mabilog said the old Ker and Co. building is a testament of Iloilo City’s leadership in sugar trading and total commerce and trade activities in the early 1900s just after the Spanish war.*PNA

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