University of San Agustin Iloilo

Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City, Philippines

Department of Architecture

Specialization 1- Heritage Conservation

A Research On

The Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol

(Casa Real de Iloilo)

And

The Arroyo Fountain

Submitted By:

Jeri Te

Arch 4-A

Submitted to:

Archt. Melvin Lataquin

(2018-2019)
 Table of Contents

Chapter I

I. Introduction

II. Objectives

III. Significance of the study

a. Professionals

b. Students

c. Public

IV. Scope and limitation

V. Content

a. Brief summary of the Old Provincial Capitol (Casa Real de Iloilo)

i. Year established

ii. Best in its class

iii. Built of wood and stone

iv. The Assassination of Gobiernador Lopez

v. Renovation works

vi. Japanese headquarter

vii. Renaming mistake

viii. American-era architecture

b. The Arroyo Fountain

 c. Origin History up to the Present day

d. Restoration

VI. Suggestions and Conclusions

 Chapter I

I. Introduction

Provided by the Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 10066) which defines "Cultural

Heritage" as "the totality of cultural property preserved and developed through time and passed on to

posterity". Iloilo is a province that boasts of its heritage, and this is evident in their preservation,

restoration, and promotional efforts of their churches and ancient houses. Indeed, there really is more to

Iloilo than just its food and nearby beaches.

This Research is particularly interested in "Built Heritage sites", which refers to architectural and

engineering structures specifically The Casa Real De Iloilo or The Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Gathering data from it’s Iloilo history archives to the people’s unanimous knowledge about the site and

their settings, and landscapes with notable historical and cultural significance.

"conservation" entails "all the processes and measures of maintaining the cultural significance of a

cultural property including, but not limited to, preservation, restoration, reconstruction, protection,

adaptation or any combination thereof The Old Provincial Capitol or also known as Casa Real De iloilo.

This research aims to provide sufficient range of knowledge for the public about its present and

historical value to the public of its owner, the architect or designer, the date that was erected, the

architectural characteristics, materials used, conditions of the structure, location. Following its history

and architectural origin, knowing it is newly restoration is indeed an act of historical conservation

restoration. To conclude later a suggestion whether it is a extended restoration or it needs more

reconstruction or to be demolished.
 II. Objectives

The researchers conducted this study that aims to promote and support Iloilo’s proud national and

cultural heritage pride; Provide knowledge to the public of the Ilonggo’s history and cultural heritage

sites that are significant and vital; Attract tourists and other Filipinos to the Ilonggo culture and heritage.

III. Significance of the study

This study may serve as a source of useful information to a better understanding. Highlighting

Iloilo’s national cultural heritage buildings and site towards the following:

Professionals - May this research could give them ideas and date in conducting, restoration

and preservation of a national heritage building or site that could provide sufficient knowledge.

Public. - This research give thought to the public on how Architects/ Architecture students see or

envision of a national heritage building or site

Students - May they find this research will impact Architecture students more since this tackles

a subject that they need to know to become capable and well-endowed.

IV. Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study was conducted to gather data about Iloilo’s national cultural heritage sites specifically and

only The Old Provincial Capitol or also known as Casa Real De iloilo. This research aims to provide

sufficient range of knowledge for the public about its present and historical value to the public of its

owner, the architect or designer, the date that was erected, the architectural characteristics, materials

used, conditions of the structure, location.

 Casa Real de Iloilo - Old Provincial Capitol

Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City, Philippines

Remodeled 1960; restored 2012

Owner: Iloilo Government/ people of Iloilo

Character: Eclecticism, Colonial

Philippines-American era architecture.

Architect / creator: Designed by Angela Vega

Public works officer

Gov, Enrique Fajardo (concrete & wooden 2nd

floor), restored by Archt. Guillermo Hisancha

(2012)
Materials used: ashlar stone, galvanized iron,

concrete. Wood (unspecified)

Date Built and Finished: 1869-1873

Conditions of the Structure: newly “restored”

(2012)

Suggestions: total restoration to the original

structure with the concrete 2nd floor and building

materials.

Location: General Luna St, Iloilo City Proper,

Iloilo City, Iloilo

 V. Content

Old Provincial Capitol (Casa Real de Iloilo)

Construction of the Casa Real or old Capitol building was initiated by then Governor Jose Maria Carles.

After being suspended for a few years, work resumed in 1869 during the time of Governor Eduardo

Caballero.

The Casa Real de Iloilo was built in 1869 during the incumbency of Spanish governor Manuel Iznart.

The structure served as the reference point in building constructions and neighborhood developments

in Iloilo during the late 19th century. It was connected to the townsquare (Plaza Alfonzo XII), located two

kilometers southeast of the building, by a long and winding thoroughfare called Calle Real (Main Street).

It had been known at one time or another as Casa Gobierno de Iloilo, Palacio del Gobernador, Casa

Real, Provincial Building, President Garcia Hall, and Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Renamed Casa Real de

Iloilo in October 2016, it is now considered a National Historical Site by the National Historical Institute

(NHI).

When it was the seat of power of the Provincial Government of Iloilo, the old Capitol building had been

described as an anachronism in Iloilo City because it is located in a highly urbanized city that has

become totally independent from the province under the 1937 Iloilo City Charter (Commonwealth Act

No. 158) and the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160). A new and modern building

beside the Casa Real now houses the Iloilo Provincial Government. According to Section 1 of Act No.

113 approved by the Philippine Commission on April 11, 1901, all the provisions of The Provincial

Government Act of 1901 was extended to a provincial government in that territory in the Island of

Panay known as the Province of Iloilo, including the Comandancia of Concepcion. The town
of Iloilo was made the capital of the province (section 5). General Martin Delgado became the first

civilian governor from 1901 to 1904.

Best in its class

The Spanish newspaper La Ilustración Española y Americana reported in its October 15, 1875 issue

published in Madrid that the Casa Gobierno de Iloilo was completed in 1873 during the time of Governor

Enrique Fajardo. It was described as “the most comfortable and the most spacious in the

Philippines“ during that time.

Casa Real de Iloilo, circa 1900s. (Iloilo, The Book.

Engraving of the Casa Gobierno de Iloilo published in
Hong Kong, 1992. Page 23)
page 236 of La Ilustracion Española y Americana

(Madrid), 15 October 1875 issue.

“The design of the building is similar to what is commonly used in that country for important structures:

the ground floor, where the offices and agencies of the provincial government are found, is made of

excellent ashlar; the second floor, where the governor resides, is built of wood and trusses and its roof
is made of galvanized iron, “La Ilustracion noted. “With a floor area of 1,225 square meters, the building

has compartments with fine lighting and ventilation and is surrounded by excellent porches and galleries.

Its features make the Government House of Iloilo one of the best in its class…,” it added.

Built of wood and stone

El Porvenir de Visayas, in its February 1895 issue, took note of the building’s large and magnificent

staircase with its fine and varnished wood and spacious meeting hall.

John Foreman, in his book The Philippine Islands, described the Casa Real as “built of wood and stone,

of good style and in a fair condition, with quite the appearance of an official residence.”. “Before it is a

semicircular garden, and in front of this there is a round fenced-in plot, in the middle of which stands a

flag-staff,“ he added.

Patterned after the traditional Filipino bahay na bato. Made of wood and stone during the Spanish

colonial era, the Casa Real was the seat of the provincial government for a century or since Iloilo

became a province in 1901 and until 2001. its wall partitions are of wood with ‘calado’. Ceilings are

canvas tin. Ground floor - fine ashlar, floored over with mortared stone. Roof - originally it was a

cross-hipped dutch gable at a high angle and had vents all around with galvanized iron with gutters all

round. Windows - tall and wide and made of capiz shells, ventanillas with blank boards as cover. Floors

are wooden on the second floor.

The Assassination of Gobiernador Benito Lopez

On December 27, 1907, Governor Benito Lopez was shot four times in his office at the left wing of the

Provincial Building of Iloilo. He died 24 days later at the Iloilo Mission Hospital. The suspected assailant,
Joaquin Gil, was a supporter of Francisco Jalandoni whom Lopez, father of business tycoons Eugenio

and Fernando, defeated in the elections two months earlier.

Renovation Works

Casa Real underwent renovation by the Insular Government in 1910. The building’s second level was

reconstructed using concrete. The Quarterly Bulletin of the Bureau of Public Works reported in 1913

that further improvements were made on the building using a P50,000 loan acquired by the Provincial

Government of Iloilo. And later during the 1960s, colonnades were replaces by porticoes by the

Governor Zulueta.

Provincial Building of Iloilo, circa 1910s. Delegates of the Taft Mission to Asia on the balcony

August 1905.

Japanese headquarters

During the Second World War, it served as a garrison for the Japanese Imperial Army, The Provincial

Building of Iloilo was also used as the seat of the puppet government as it was where Dr. Fermin Caram,

the Japanese-appointed governor, held office.

In 1960, then Governor Jose Zulueta remodeled the building, providing a canopy-like structure in its

facade and an extension at the back to house courtrooms. The next year, he issued Executive Order No.

4-z that changed the building’s name to Provincial Capitol of Iloilo.

Prior to this, Zulueta came out with Executive Order No. 3-z which named the Session Hall of the

provincial building as “President Garcia Hall.” The name was “to be placed at the back portion of the

aforesaid Session Hall facing Iznart Street, Iloilo City.”

Renaming mistake

A mix-up in the execution of Zulueta’s orders resulted in the President Garcia Hall sign instead of

Provincial Capitol of Iloilo getting placed at the provincial building’s facade instead.

On April 5, 1961, former Iloilo City chief of police Captain Patricio Miguel instituted mandamus

proceedings in the lower court against Zulueta and then district engineer Ricardo Tancinco, alleging that

the naming of the provincial building after a living person was not only prohibited by Republic Act 1059

but was also prejudicial to his rights, dignity, and self-respect as a taxpayer and a law-abiding citizen.

Provincial Building of Iloilo (far right) as seen from

President Garcia Hall, c. 1960s
Iznart Street, circa 1920s
Carlos Garcia, who was president from March 17, 1957 to December 30, 1960, was still alive then, and

the lower court ruled in favor of Miguel. (Garcia passed away on June 14, 1971 at the age of 74 in

Tagbilaran City).

The case reached the Supreme Court, which affirmed the decision of the lower court on April 30, 1966.

The SC noted that the lower court did not rule on the legality of EO 3-z but in its implementation.

American-era architecture

On November 4, 1998, a fire of unknown origin hit the Provincial Capitol of Iloilo, damaging its extension

at the back leaving only the main building. This resulted in the construction of a new six-storey

Provincial Capitol of Iloilo initiated by Gov. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. that now stands behind the historic

building. And the old provincial capitol wasn’t used again until its restoration.

The Provincial Capitol of Iloilo on fire, 4 November 1998.

On April 11, 2010, the National Historical Institute (NHI) declared the Provincial Capitol of Iloilo a

historical landmark.

The restoration of the Provincial Capitol of Iloilo to its American-era architecture started in 2012, making

it the provincial government’s major contribution to tourism and its resounding answer to the call for

cultural heritage conservation.

https://myguide.ph/casa-real-iloilo/

The Arroyo Fountain

Facing the old capitol, in the middle of the intersection of three streets, there used to be a semi-circle

garden with a flagpole. In 1927, it gave way to one of Iloilo City’s landmark, the Arroyo Fountain, which

is a point of reference in measuring distances in the city and province of Iloilo, the site is also known as

“kilometer zero.”

The Arroyo Fountain is a prominent neoclassic Baroque landmark that narrates Ilonggo opulence and

history at the heart of the city, The flag-staff in front of the building gave way to the Arroyo Fountain in

1927, when then Governor Jose Ledesma had it built in honor of Senator Jose Maria Arroyo who

authored the law creating the Iloilo Metropolitan Water Works. Not only does it symbolize an opulent

history it is also used as a gauge to measure the distance from one place to Iloilo City.

The Arroyo Fountain is named after of Sen. Jose Maria Arroyo, author of Republic Act 3222 and a well

loved personality in Iloilo during his time and grandfather of First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo. paved the

way in establishing the Iloilo Metropolitan Waterworks in 1925, it stands on Kilometer Zero as

benchmark to measure distances from Iloilo City to other places in Panay island and to other places in

the Philippine. The fountain implies their family’s power and influence in the past.
The fountain is a sculpture composition of originally four naked Grecian icon muses holding overhead a

large basin that is overflowing with water gushing from a spout at the top and flowing down to gather in

larger collective basin. The muses face all four directions of North-South-West-East, respectively. This

hair-braided ensemble of barefoot caryatids (maidens) forms a circle around a column that supports the

upper basin and is mounted on a circular base mounted atop the foot of the fountain that is embellished

with a cornucopia of marine produce, such as crustaceans and fish and agricultural produce of fruits

and grains, depicts natural bounty and abundance. Six water spouts are embedded in the mouths of

sculpted fish around the sides of the statue base that gave much life to the fountain during its heydays.

In 1929, at the insistence of the Roman Catholic church, the naked muses were later on 'clothed' in

flowing garments and underwent re-sculpting to appear what the statues look like today.

Arroyo Fountain, circa 1930s.

 Arroyo Fountain, present (2018)

Origin History Up To The Present Day

The Capitol Building in Iloilo referred to as the "Casa Real" or Royal House during the Spanish times

was built in 1840. Initiated by then Governor Jose Maria Carles. After being suspended for a few years,

work resumed in 1869 during the time of Governor Eduardo Caballero.

The "Casa Real" was the residence of the alcalde-mayor or governor, then the highest Spanish Official

in Iloilo.

The Casa Real de Iloilo was built in 1869 during the incumbency of Spanish governor Manuel Iznart.

The structure served as the reference point in building constructions and neighborhood developments

in Iloilo during the late 19th century. It was connected to the townsquare (Plaza Alfonzo XII), located two

kilometers southeast of the building, by a long and winding thoroughfare called Calle Real (Main Street).
Originally it was a one-story stone building where the government offices were located. Gov. Enrique

Fajardo finished construction of the second story in 1873 with first class wood and a galvanized iron roof.

He was also the first governor to establish official residence in what was at the time the biggest, most

elegant Provincial Capitol in the Philippines.

From Gov. Fajardo who lived in the Casa Real from 1873 to 1879, fourteen other Spanish governors

lived there. The last, Ricardo Monet, stayed only for one year, 1898. After Manila had fallen to the

Americans on Aug. 13, 1898, Iloilo became the Spanish colonial capital of the Philippines.

On December 24, 1898, Governor-General Diego de los Rios surrendered the city to the Council of the

Federal State of the Visayas headed by Roque Lopez, the President. The next day, Gen. Martin

Delgado and the revolutionary army ceremoniously hoisted the Philippine flag up the tall flagpole before

the building.

In April 11, 1901, the civil government of the province of Iloilo established the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The Casa Real building has undergone a lot of renovations and additions from the time it became the

seat of the civil government of Iloilo. In 1901 it was used as a military garrison by Japanese Imperial

Forces during WWII. It was at the Casa Real on April 11, 1901,Revolutionary General Martin T. Delgado,

became the first Governador and served from 1901 to 1904 as the first Filipino governor. He took his

oath of office before Governor-General William Taft in the presence of all the members of the Philippine

Commission and some leading citizens of Iloilo.

Most of the governors held their inaugural and induction ceremonies at the Old Capitol. Yet, this historic

building had also witnessed tragedy. On December 27, 1907, the third Filipino governor, Benito Lopez,

was assassinated while working in his office.

In 1927, the flagstaff or flagpole gave way to the Arroyo Fountain in honor of Senator Jose Maria Arroyo.

Not only does it symbolize an opulent history it is also used as a gauge to measure the distance from

one place to Iloilo City. Older Ilonggos would sometimes recall that the sculpture of the 4 women in the

fountain used to be “unclothed.” Unfortunately, the Catholic Church took notice and insisted that the

“naked” women be given “clothes.” The sculptors complied, and thus the present appearance of the

Arroyo Fountain.

The "Casa Real" or “Casa Gobierno” was remolded in 1960 after Jose Zulueta became the governor of

the province. Though some stone structures might have been preserved, the colonnades at the front of

the entire structures were demolished. In the 1960s, there were talks of transferring the offices of the

Iloilo Provincial Government to a more stately provincial capitol at Oton, hometown of then Governor

Jose C. Zulueta.

On November 4, 1998, a fire of unknown source baffled the capitol damaging almost more than the half

of the whole building leaving only the main building. The 1998 fire resulted to the construction of a new

six-story Iloilo Provincial Capitol of the future initiated by Gov. Arthur D. Defensor and brought to finish

by Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. It now stands behind the original structure.

In 2001, it became the focus in promoting the province of Iloilo. As a way of measuring distances, The

Old Provincial Capitol building serves as the “Kilometer Zero” of Iloilo, comparable to Negros Occidental

Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod, Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu and in many parts of the country.

The main point of distance reference is the Kilometer Zero in Manila, located between Rizal Monument

in Luneta Park and Quirino Grandstand.

The Old Capitol Building of Iloilo, renamed Casa Real De Iloilo in October 2016, is now considered a

National Historical Site by the NHI (National Historical Institute). It is the old edifice fronting the Arroyo

Fountain in Iloilo, Philippines.

In February 2009, the provincial government applied to the NHI for the declaration of the old Capitol as

a historical site. On March 24, 2010, Joenar Pueblo, the Provincial Tourism Officer, received the

confirmation of the marker to be placed at the old Capitol.

The historical site marker was unveiled on April 11, 2010 during the founding day of the province. The

former casa real made during the Spanish era was made of wood and stone.

The Casa Real De Iloilo is located at the city center along General Luna Street and Muelle Loney Street.

The new Iloilo Provincial Capitol building is a stone-throw away going west while Museo Iloilo is about

70 meters going northwest.

http://iloilo.gov.ph/photo/casa-real-through-years

http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/casa-real-de-iloilo

Restoration

Built in 1869, it was originally made of wood and stones. It officially became the capitol when the

civil government of the province of Iloilo was established in April 11, 1901 with Martin T. Delgado

as the first governor. It was used as a military garrison by the Japanese Imperial Forces in World

War II. It was repaired in the 1960’s and underwent another renovation after almost half of the

building was brought down by fire last November 4, 1998. Since 1901 it has become the centre

of governance for the province until the six-storey New Capitol Building was completed after the

unfortunate fire incident.

On March 24, 2010, The Old Provincial Capitol was declared as a National Historical Site by the

National Historical Commission (NHC) and in April 2012 by Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr., the Old

Provincial Capitol Restoration was initiated. The NHC welcomed Governor Defensor’s plan to
bring back the original look of the capitol. As a matter of fact, NHC offered technical assistance

to the provincial government on what strategies to be used.

An initial amount of P20 million has been allotted for the first phase of the project. Architect

Guillermo Hisancha, appointed to design the plan, with the guidance of NHC Executive Director

Ludovico Badoy and Historic and Preservation Division chief, Architect Rey Inovero, are the

brains behind the restoration which has almost reach its completion.

As advised by Director Badoy, they have retained the façade of the capitol. The architectural

style of the old capitol patterns that of Eclecticism, a combination of elements from various

sources. The front colonnade follows a Greek-Roman Doric order. It has a balanced façade

giving it a monumental and formal appearance. As for the interior, according to the proposal, it

will have marble flooring with medallions as centre pieces, there will be Tuscan columns and

smooth plastered walls, and projecting from the moulding are rectangular blocks popularly used

during the colonial period, on top of the doors are fanlights and the lighting will be more

sophisticated and will be having chandeliers to add more glamour to this historical site.

A bridge at the back of the old Capitol connecting it to the New Provincial Capitol is part of the

final touches of the restoration. The old capitol once re-opened for the public, will become a

function room for special events and grand occasions.

http://www.iloilo.net.ph/provincial-capitol-restoration/

Two proposed designs have been presented by the Iloilo Provincial Government to show how

the project will be able to restore the architecture of the Casa Real to reflect the style used

during its date of construction.

https://www.exploreiloilo.com/blog/old-iloilo-provincial-capitol-casa-real-restoration-project/
VI. Suggestions and Conclusions

It’s great news that the Province of Iloilo has been “restored” its lovely old provincial capitol

building. Iloilo has lost so many landmarks so it’s very welcome news that this one will be saved.

In this photo you can see that the building has retains its fundamental architectural

Integrity, but there are some modern alterations during around the 1960s, such as the

curved porticoes over the front entrances that were removed.

WORKERS REMOVING PORTICOES

LATER ADDITIONS REMOVED TO

ALLOW RESTORATION.
Many have speculations and curiosity about the history of the building. There are online

references to an earlier Spanish stone structure. To us the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Building

looks like a neoclassic , solid “Commonwealth” era building of the type built by the Americans

all over the Philippines as provincial capitols an municipal halls were the very original structure

and architectural details of the present one.

Of course it’s a big controversy among academic heritage preservation scholars as to whether

it’s better to restore buildings to their original appearance or to preserve later

alterations because they are said to be just as important heritage as is the original

design. The changes are a record of the changing needs, tastes, economic environment and

architectural and construction trends prevailing during the entire history of the

building. Preservationists feel that removing later additions scrapes away some of the

meaning of the building. With so many heritage buildings at risk of demolition in Iloilo it’s just

great news that the building will be saved and reused. And yet from the sources that I have

gathered my opinion is that it’s not been restored but just a mere renovation and reconstruction.

Although this research of the original building materials cannot be traced. Some forgotten

details, and it was not put into importance. Such as the interior details and finishes. The

architect itself, tracing to some accounts and early articles only until Gov. Enrique Fajardo who

design and initiated the concrete 2nd floor of the building in the early 1900’s. It is just one of the

concluding factor that the Iloilo people don’t value Architects. Nonetheless, it is more of a

renovation than just a restoration.