Plaza renovation in Oton, Iloilo: Residents’ perception and prospects for development

Abstract

Oton Plaza in Iloilo has long stood as a cultural landmark, gaining international acclaim in 1987 when its green-finished amphitheater was recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful public spaces at the XXIV International Congress of La Fédération Française du Pays age in France. A recent renovation sought to enhance its aesthetic, functional, and cultural value, yet little scholarly attention has been given to how the local community perceives such projects. This study employed a descriptive-correlational design to assess the views of 397 purposively sampled residents on the renovation and future development of the plaza. Findings revealed an overwhelmingly positive reception across all demographic groups. Youth, middle-aged, and elderly residents, particularly from the business sector, rated the improvements highly, with civil society, academe, and local government units following. Daily visitors expressed the strongest approval, though even infrequent users responded favorably. Among educational levels, high school graduates gave the most positive feedback. Aesthetic enhancements, especially lighting and design, were the most praised; functionality aspects such as safety, walkability, and seating also earned strong ratings. Emotionally, the plaza’s daily and social relevance scored highest. Perceptions of development potential were consistently high, with young adults and business stakeholders being the most optimistic. Traditional architecture, cultural spaces, and landscaped paths ranked as top priorities, while water features, markets, and installations, though lower, still garnered interest. Notably, visit frequency significantly influenced perception and optimism. A strong correlation emerged between positive experiences and support for future development. These insights offer critical guidance for urban planners, heritage advocates, and policy makers aiming to balance modernization with cultural preservation.