JCI Iloilo Monument of Peace (Plazoleta Gay Park)

The JCI Iloilo Monument of Peace, widely known as the Plazoleta Gay Obelisk, is a historic landmark and civic space anchoring a bustling five-way intersection in downtown Iloilo City Proper. Famously called "Socorro Crossing" by locals, this bustling junction connects major urban arteries including Calle Real (J.M. Basa Street), Ledesma Street, Arroyo Street, and Iznart Street. The site sits directly across from the historic Socorro Drug Store and the nearby Chinese Friendship Arch, serving as a prominent architectural anchor in the city's historic business district.

The monument itself features a striking white commemorative obelisk topped with a delicate dove sculpture that serves as a visual symbol of peace, liberty, and freedom. The site has undergone several transformations over the last century, evolving from a decorative American-era lamp post into a public fountain during the 1950s. The current obelisk was constructed in 1993 through the initiative of JCI Iloilo (Junior Chamber International) with local government support. Recently, the city government redeveloped the surrounding traffic island into a pedestrian-friendly pocket park outfitted with modern paving, trees, and public benches to provide a green breathing space amidst downtown traffic.

Historically, the public square is named in honor of José María N. Gáy, the last Spanish Alcalde-Mayor of Iloilo who later transitioned to become the first municipal president under American rule. He was also the first cousin of General Pablo Soriano Araneta, a key revolutionary leader in the liberation of Panay Island. Beyond its administrative and architectural legacy, Plazoleta Gay represents Iloilo's deep-rooted democratic resilience. It has traditionally served as a primary hub for free speech, public rallies, and civil demonstrations, most notably serving as the main epicenter for collective Ilonggo action and mobilization during the historic February 1986 People Power Revolution.