ILOILO City – This city is poised to take a major leap toward clean and modern public transportation as Sweden launches a P30-million feasibility study to design an integrated electric transit system — a move that could make Iloilo the first in the Visayas to operate an Electric Bus Rapid Transit (EBRT).
The study, spearheaded by Swedfund — Sweden’s development finance arm — and implemented by Sweco International, one of Europe’s top engineering and architecture consultancies, aims to transform mobility across Metro Iloilo and Guimaras through greener, faster, and more commuter-friendly transport corridors.
“The objective is to enhance and improve transportation and connectivity in Iloilo City and other municipalities. To do that, we need the technical feasibility study, which will provide the plan,” said Louise Bernander, project manager at Swedfund, during a press briefing on October 8. “Sweco signed the contract at the end of August, and we are now in the inception and data-gathering phase. We expect the study to deliver results by next year.”
The six-million Swedish Krona project will examine how to integrate existing jeepney, bus, and ferry routes into a modern transport system designed to reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve commuter safety and comfort.
Bernander clarified that the study is not limited to the Bus Rapid Transit model but envisions a broader, citywide mobility blueprint.
“We’re not looking only at the BRT system. Our study is developing an integrated transport plan — the BRT might be one component, or there could be a mix of systems. We are committed to being a long-term partner in finding a solution that best fits Iloilo and its municipalities,” she explained.
The Swedish government’s support underscores Iloilo’s emergence as one of the Philippines’ most livable and progressive cities. The visiting delegation from Sweden, led by Ambassador Anna Ferry, met with Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Mayor Raisa Treñas to explore further collaborations in public transport modernization, tourism, and investment.
“I thank the Governor and Mayor for inviting me to Iloilo,” said Ambassador Ferry. “I was impressed by your beautiful cathedrals, delicious food, and well-developed bike lanes system. This is an excellent foundation for investing in city infrastructure. Sustainable and livable cities attract international visitors and investors, improving the city environment and creating new employment opportunities for its citizens.”
The visit also reinforced Iloilo’s growing economic ties with Swedish industries. Ambassador Ferry toured Transcom Worldwide (Philippines), Inc., a Swedish business process outsourcing firm employing over 1,000 Ilonggos, and cited AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme (YHP) in Iloilo as an example of expanding bilateral engagement.
Governor Defensor hailed the project as a “strategic step” toward regional modernization, saying Sweden’s expertise in sustainable mobility and green technologies “could significantly shape Iloilo’s development plans.”
Mayor Treñas echoed the optimism, stressing that Iloilo’s vision of becoming a “smart, creative, and sustainable metropolis” mirrors Sweden’s citizen-centered approach to development.
According to Bernander, Sweden’s partnership with Iloilo could pave the way for future collaborations in renewable energy, waste management, and water treatment.
“We are also looking into areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, water treatment, and waste management. Sweden has strong expertise in these sectors, and we are eager to explore how we can expand our cooperation not just in Iloilo, but across the Philippines,” she said.
The Iloilo initiative aligns with Sweden’s Vision Zero campaign — a global movement that advocates for zero road fatalities through safer design and sustainable mobility — and builds on the country’s involvement in the EDSA Busway project and green urban planning programs in Metro Manila./PN
