THE Iloilo River Esplanade is popular among locals and tourists. — BW FILE PHOTO

ILOILO CITY — The proposed extension of the Iloilo River Esplanade project to the Fort San Pedro area is not getting support from both public officials and businesses, particularly industries operating at the port area.
At the regular Iloilo-Batiano River Development Council Meeting on Aug 10, Iloilo City Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III said the local government conducted a survey which indicated that about 36 companies — mostly in shipping, cement, and fertilizer businesses — would be adversely affected.
“The employment and the income of the city might be reduced if we will continue the Esplanade up to the Parola area,” Mr. Espinosa said.
The mayor also said that officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard, and the National Economic and Development Authority have expressed objection to the plan.
The Iloilo River Esplanade project, funded under the DPWH budget, being implemented in nine phases up to the Muelle Loney Bridge.
“We are just winding up the completion of Esplanade 9. We have had substantial areas covered. It may be enough up to that bridge,” DPWH-Western Visayas Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto.
The project evolved from a slope protection work as part of the flood protection project.
He added that there is no formal proposal to extend the roughly seven-kilometer esplanade.
Mr. Fruto also pointed out that they cannot put any intervention infrastructure in the Parola area because it is a port delineated zone that is operated by the PPA. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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