Treñas seeks City Council approval for Iloilo Sunset Boulevard turnover

ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas is urging the City Council to grant him authority to sign the official turnover documents for the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, also known as the Iloilo River North Bank Road.

Joy Fantilaga, the mayor’s spokesperson, confirmed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has completed the formal transfer of the boulevard to the Iloilo City Government.

“In the upcoming session of the City Council, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas will urgently request authority to sign the official turnover documents so that immediate measures can be taken to restore order and discipline in the area,” Fantilaga said.

In a press briefing, Treñas announced additional measures to maintain order and discipline along the Sunset Boulevard. 

He prohibited the practice of “park shot”, which involves drinking liquor while parked along the street within the boulevard, and strictly banned the sale of food in the area without the necessary permits.

In addition, Treñas also requested the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 to conduct random alcohol breath tests on drivers inside the Sunset Boulevard. 

This measure aims to prevent drunk driving and ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and other boulevard users.

The mayor stressed that maintaining discipline and enforcing safety regulations are critical to protecting the boulevard and its visitors. 

“We will not tolerate irresponsible behavior that puts lives and public property at risk,” Treñas said.

The mayor reiterated that violators of these rules, along with other city ordinances, will face strict enforcement and penalties.

Treñas earlier expressed frustration over improper waste disposal along the newly opened boulevard, citing it as a threat to government efforts to maintain the area’s cleanliness and beauty.

“Don’t try my patience,” the mayor warned, emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated. He vowed strict enforcement of laws and ordinances to curb irresponsible actions.

The P2.261-billion Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, which stretches five kilometers from Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao to Barangay Cagbang in Oton, has become a popular destination since its opening to joggers in June 2024 and to vehicles on January 24, 2025. It features four lanes, bike paths, solar-powered LED lights, viewing decks, and recreational spaces.

However, maintaining cleanliness has proven challenging. On February 1, 2025, Facebook user Steve Francis Quaitchon shared photos of the boulevard’s polluted shoreline littered with plastic bottles, cans, bags, wood, and other debris.

In response, the City General Services Office (GSO) and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) conducted cleanup operations, including the adjacent river.

“The city will strictly enforce all existing ordinances — no exceptions. Violators will be arrested and brought to the police station. The mayor has made it clear: Do not try his patience,” Fantilaga reiterated.

To ensure order, three police patrol cars and four motorcycles have been deployed. The city will also enforce penalties for curfew violations and littering, and portable toilets will be installed with measures to prevent vandalism.

Treñas stressed that delaying the turnover would be a disservice to the city.

“This step will enable us to implement clear and enforceable regulations to ensure that Sunset Boulevard’s beauty is safeguarded and protected from those who disregard our environment and public infrastructure,” he said.

The mayor vowed to protect the boulevard and the National Government’s efforts in developing it.

“Order will be restored. Without it, people may feel emboldened to act recklessly, potentially damaging the stunning Iloilo Sunset Boulevard and the reputation of our beloved Iloilo City,” Treñas stressed./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here