ILOILO City – The P405-million Hibao-an flyover in Barangay Hibao-an, Mandurriao district, is now open to motorists.
The inauguration of the 480-linear-meter, two-lane flyover took place at around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
It is intended to improve access to the southern part of Iloilo and the neighboring province of Antique, while alleviating traffic in the Iloilo provincial towns of Pavia and San Miguel, and Mandurriao.
Key figures in attendance included former Ilonggo Senate President Franklin Drilon, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 assistant director Engr. Jose Al Fruto, representatives from contractor International Builders Corporation Alfonso Tan and Alvin Patrick Tan, and Iloilo City District Engineering Office’s (ICDEO) District Engineer Roy Pacanan.
Prior to the flyover’s opening, a test run was held on Monday, Dec. 11.
“We’ve been waiting for a long time, and in line with DPWH’s commitment, we are opening this before the year ends to be utilized before Christmas,” said Fruto.
Several regulations will be enforced with the flyover’s opening. Heavy vehicles over 27 tons, three-axle vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles, and pedicabs are discouraged from using the flyover.
“We are allowing vehicles up to three axles maximum only,” said Fruto.
The flyover will be open 24 hours, and motorists are urged to comply with these regulations, as continuous monitoring is not feasible.
Fruto emphasizes that cooperation from motorists is key to preserving the flyover for long-term use by the Ilonggos. However, he clarified that even with the flyover’s opening, work on the right of way is still ongoing.
The ICDEO is currently developing a program of works to improve it next year. Settlement with approximately three landowners by the DPWH is pending to complete the right-of-way construction by next year.
Former Senate President Drilon said the flyover will not only smoothen the flow of traffic in the area but also enhance commerce and trading.
He commented on the city and province of Iloilo’’s progress, noting how numerous roads are now congested with traffic.
“This infrastructure will make it convenient and safe for our people and attract investors, which is crucial for job creation,” he added.
The Hibao-an flyover, along with the Buhang, Ungka, and Aganan flyovers, were projects advocated for funding and construction in Iloilo city and province during Drilon’s tenure as a senator.
Located along the Iloilo Circumferential Road (C-1), the Hibao-an flyover’s construction began in late 2020./PN
