The city that was popularly known as the Queen City of the South, is now in the rising progress of success. For two decades, many changes had obviously been implemented and if you ask the locals, their wide grinned teeth, expressing warm approval of how the local government had greatly impacted their lives. Most of the people I asked after coming back home from Manila, greatly patronize the significant change, developmental program and tourism contributed in Iloilo City.
My Hometown. Iloilo City was very different than it is today. I was born and raised in Iloilo City. As a child recollecting my memories to this old province had greatly comforted me. While I was basking under the heat of sun, I was walking in the pavement of the new Iloilo Business Park. It was a laid back life, no traffic, less congestion but now these high class hotels and huge structures of big companies shading me as walked along the street of the new Iloilo business park. I was recollecting beautiful memories as I passed by the once familiar street where our house was. Looking back of how life was sweet and simple with our little house which was seated on the exact wide cemented road I was standing at. I decided to ride the jeepney while eating taho, as it moved along it passed by the newly constructed esplanade. Back then, the stink was overflowing. There were houses near the river, floating garbages, plenty riverbank weeds and fishermen sitting in front of their houses desperate for a big catch. I sighed, “There it is, a lovely riverside esplanade across Molo and Diversion Road attracts local and foreign tourist with peaceful view spot.
(aerial shot of Iloilo River)
Down by the Riverside. Since Iloilo River is a scenic asset, it was suffering from a smelling pollution that angst whoever passed by. The Iloilo River starts from Oton at Batiano River, transverse to Lapuz, Lapaz, Mandurriao, Molo and Arevalo to the city proper before emptying into the Iloilo Strait. The river serves as a path for ferries and a drop off point for fishing vessels. According to Hechanova, a City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) Engr, said, “There’s a problem of low dissolved oxygen caused by the organic load from human wastes. The impact is fish kill and death of aquatic animals and plants. Septic tanks should serve as partial treatment of human wastes considering the city has no centralized sewage treatment facility.” He also added that the centralized sewage treatment facility would cost P80million. There was a political will and the present Mayor Jed Mabilog had shared to the public forum of saving the Iloilo River. Illegal settlers were transferred without legal battle with the help of Gawad Kalinga. The Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were securing budget for dredging and flood-control and major removal of river dwellers, fish cages, polluting factories had been implemented.
(Above: Megaworld’s or now called Iloilo Business Park)
(Above:New Iloilo Esplanade- fit for morning walks and joggers)
Highways are Wider. I can still remember the two-way roads, tight and sometimes impassable because of the bad weather. Changes have been very visible now and the widening old roads, bike lanes and boardwalks has helped creating new space for the economic growth.
The city had implemented two-phase flood control development program which is now being realigned with the road and flood control projects.
(Road is wider now with bike lanes or boardwalk )
More Businesses. More Tourism. Megaworld is in progress of rising, creating a hub for entrepreneurs and businessmen. The metropolis now transform into one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. Political Leaders have greatly encompass successful alliances that created large scale for infrastructure, employment, and housing for Ilonggos. Now, the city caters world class hotels, popular restaurants and BPO industries. According to the present mayor Jed Mabilog, the city had created 50,000 jobs since 2010.
International Airport-Beautiful and Safe. Our house used to be near the old domestic airport. I can still recall the annoying airplane noise, cracking cements on the old buildings, outdated interior design of the facility and congested travelers seems to be confused of getting into parking, limited waiting area and eating stalls . In 2007, government started the million fund of relocating a massive New Iloilo Airport to operate International Flights in Cabatuan, Iloilo. The New International Airport has infrastructure like any other international airports provides high-end security, state-of-the-art equipment and a large area of aircraft parking. The former old airport is now the Megaworld’s major commercial area, also where the Iloilo Convention Center is now located.
To Whom Do We Owe The Iloilo City’s Success? According to Rommel Ynion, a journalist, stated his opinion that Ilonggo’s owe big thanks to the three Ilonggo leaders: Raul Gonzales Sr, Franklin Drilon and Jerry Treñas. They contributed a huge amount to the development we see now in Iloilo City. Raul Gonzales, was said to have persuaded real estate tycoon Andrew Tan to buy the land of the former Iloilo Airport and which it is now the famous Megaworld City rises today. Senator Drilon narrated that as an Ilonggo as well, who initiated the “cleansing” of the Iloilo River.The 70 million PDAF was said to hel build the 2.9km esplanade, brickpathways and pedestrians for the residents and visitors. Senator Drilon added that he was willing to face death threats and even death just to clean up the Iloilo River. Looking at the impact of tourism, Cong. Jerry Treñas, authored the Republic Act No. 10555 or Act of declaring Act Declaring Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex, All Located in Iloilo City as Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone’. The restoration of these heritage sites, when the long forgotten and neglected, are now treasured and has now been restored to their former glory.
(Above: Best Food and Places to Visit in Iloilo)
Although the city itself is not perfect, perhaps it would still need more development. The local government increase of aiming for improvement of tourism and continuous growth of economy.
Nonetheless, inspite of all claimed success by the politicians wholeheartedly supported the city and by the claims of so-called World Mayor Mabilog, the Ilonggos generally has been passionate about unity and planned more for the love of the city. I am proud to Ilonggos willingness and drive of preserving the beauty of the city’s history and culture. They have a sense of pride and individually contributed to promote the city and continuously making social interaction to continue the beauty and their love of Iloilo City. -Proud Ilongga- ♥keyef
Travel and Explore Iloilo: Iloilo Guide for First Time Travelers – Explore Iloilo
Home 