ILOILO City – The Iloilo River Esplanade has been recognized at the Asian Townscape Awards (ATA) as one of the leading models for urban landscape construction in Asia.
Iloilo City joined nine other cities from Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong that received the recognition during the awarding ceremony on Nov. 18, 2024 in Fukuoka City, Japan.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, in a statement, said Iloilo City is honored for the recognition which came at a fitting time as the city hosted the 44th CityNet Executive Committee Meeting from Nov. 18 to 20, where the Iloilo River Esplanade was also showcased as one of its best practices.
During the 3rd CityNet-UNESCAP Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) City Awards as part of the CityNet Execom meeting, Iloilo City was conferred the Liveable City Award for its outstanding efforts in enhancing urban livability through innovative programs and sustainable urban planning.
Treñas emphasized that the achievement is a testament to the city’s unwavering vision and commitment to sustainable urban development.
He especially credited former Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon for his visionary leadership in transforming the Iloilo River into a beacon of urban sustainability and Ilonggo pride.
The comprehensive rehabilitation of the Iloilo River and its adjacent Batiano River took a significant leap forward in 2011.
In 2018, the Iloilo-Batiano River Development Project was named a Galing Pook Awardee for championing ecological sustainability and fostering a sense of security and livability.
“His dedication to the development of the Iloilo River and its surroundings as a centerpiece for progress has been instrumental. His tireless efforts have transformed the Iloilo River into a symbol of urban sustainability and Ilonggo pride, laying the groundwork for the progress we continue to build upon today,” he added.
Ronald Cartagena, head of the City Planning and Development Office, represented the Iloilo City government and received the ATA during the awarding ceremony.
“We are grateful that our Esplanade has been chosen, and we believe that the project truly deserves this recognition based on the criteria, which focused on creating inclusive and sustainable urban spaces while introducing new dimensions to urban development initiatives,” said Cartagena.
Initiated by UN-HABITAT’s Regional Office for Asia and Pacific (UN-HABITAT ROAP), Asian Habitat Society (AHS), Fukuoka Asian Urban Research Center (URC), and Asia Townscape Design Society (ATDeS), the ATA aimed to recognize cities and localities in Asia through their initiatives that enhances urban image to one that is sustainable and inclusive.
The linear park, along with other projects in Asia, excelled in the following criteria: harmonious coexistence with the regional environment; safety, convenience, and sustainability; respect for regional culture and history; high artistic quality; contributions to local development; and its potential to serve as a model for other cities.
ATA stated, “The project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the pollution and environmental degradation of the Iloilo River caused by unregulated human activities, while promoting sustainable development.”
Based on the Iloilo River Development Master Plan formulated in 2002, a 7.8-km promenade and public spaces have been developed to restore the local ecosystem and foster tourism and regional economic growth.
To this day, expansions of the Iloilo River Esplanade are underway.
The project has reconnected the people to nature, enhancing environmental awareness and providing a space for healthy lifestyles. It also serves as alternative mode for non-motorized transport and active mobility.
These were the remarkable impacts of the project which transcends political leaderships over time and has generated interests from other localities as shown by the various requests for benchmarking and also as subject of various visits, researches, and studies./PN
