MORE Power Iloilo lits Molo Church and plaza on June 17

Molo Plaza Ligting by More Power Iloilo, Turnover of complete restoration of Plaza Molo, Iloilo City
In no particular order: Photo of NHCP chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante, Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon and wife, Mayor Jerry Treñas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Uswag Partylist Representative Jojo Ang, Councilor Miguel Treñas and MORE Power President Roel Z. Castro during the lighting of St. Anne Parish Church and plaza in Molo on June 17, 2022.


The relaunch of the improved lighting of the historical St. Anne Parish Church in Molo and the plaza last June 17, 2022 was a significant event making the city more relevant in highlighting the rich culture, history, and heritage of Ilonggos.

The crowd who joined the ceremonial lighting event were amazed of the refreshed beauty of the famous church. The new design of lights was made possible by More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power). The official electric power distributor in Iloilo City made the façade of Molo Church and the Plaza more fascinating and appealing. It was lit up on June 17. 

Mr. Roel Castro, President and COO of MORE Power, delivered his message, emphasizing that it is one of the company's goals to make Iloilo a tourist-friendly city by extending its best efforts to illuminate the church, which is truly a symbol of Ilonggo heritage, MORE Power has begun to realize that goal.


Molo Plaza Ligting by More Power Iloilo, Turnover of complete restoration of Plaza Molo, Iloilo City
Ceremonial lighting of St. Anne Parish Church Molo and plaza on June 17, 2022


The whole project including the details added to the plaza aims to attract more visitors from different places in addition to tourism activities in Iloilo City.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) formally turned over the newly-restored Molo Plaza to the Iloilo City Government, and the ceremonial switch-on of the lights of Molo Church was the highlight of the event. 

The event was joined by NHCP chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante, Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon, Mayor Jerry Treñas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Uswag Partylist Representative Jojo Ang, and MORE Power President Roel Z. Castro.


St. Anne Parish Church Molo, Iloilo City, Molo Plaza, Molo Church Iloilo, Molo Iloilo Church, Historical Places in Iloilo City
St. Anne Parish Church Molo, Iloilo City


In his message, Mr. Roel Castro revealed that he opened up to Drilon about the idea of having night tours in Iloilo City, highlighting heritage sites and historic buildings. Drilon took the idea seriously and asked him to start it with the lighting up of Molo Church. The lighting project successfully launched even in a short notice, particularly in two weeks left until the schedule of the turnover date of the restoration project of Plaza Molo. Castro and the MORE Power team stepped up and finished it just in time for the ceremony on Friday.

While MORE Power Iloilo is primarily tasked to modernize the electric services in the city, Castro said that “modernization doesn’t mean that we have to forget our heritage or our history.”


“This project is a testament that MORE Power is here not only to modernize the electric services or bring down the electric rates, but also to support the initiatives that highlight the rich culture, history, and heritage of Ilonggo people,” he added.


MORE Power Engr. Fil Sonza Jr. said that they installed halogen lamps and spotlights beaming upward to emphasize the details of the Gothic-designed church. The team made sure that the lights weren’t too bright so that the textures, columns, and shadows of spires and towers will be there to evoke drama and magnificence.

Iloilo City’s top executive lauded MORE Power for being a partner in highlighting the rich history of the metropolis.


“I am also grateful for MORE Power for lighting up the St. Anne Parish and the entire plaza to showcase its glory even at night,” said Treñas.

“We’ve been pushing this since 2019 and with the help of Sen. Drilon we were able to find P20 million through NHCP. Preserving our rich history while promoting the metro’s tourism is one of our huge leaps towards economic growth,” he added.


A native of Molo district, Drilon said that the church was significant for him because it was where he was baptized. Aside from funding the plaza restoration, he also helped look for funds to restore the Molo church because of its historical significance.

Research done by the NHCP, national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal passed by the Molo church in the early or late 1800, Drilon said. (With reports from PNA)




Diamond Georgina

Diamond Georgina is a lifestyle entrepreneur and blogger based in Iloilo City. Apart from blogging and being a professional salesperson, she loves filming (video content), traveling, and emerging in communities. She considers herself a life-long learner. Feel free to collaborate.

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