Baronda Questions Iloilo City’s Role in Sunset Boulevard Opening

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways Western Visayas (DPWH-6) to clarify why the Iloilo City Government is leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Iloilo River North Bank Road, also known as Sunset Boulevard.

Baronda expressed surprise after receiving an invitation for the January 24 event, noting that it was prepared by the Iloilo City Government despite the DPWH being the lead implementing agency of the PHP 2.07 billion national road project.

“I was surprised that the invitation sent to me by DPWH-6 was actually prepared by the city government of Iloilo,” Baronda said in an interview.

The congresswoman questioned why the DPWH was not taking charge of the ceremony, given that the project was funded by the national government.

“The DPWH-6 must explain to the public why the city government is leading this event. As the lead agency, and with funding from the national government, they need to clarify this to the public,” she emphasized.

The full opening of Sunset Boulevard was originally scheduled for January 22 but was moved to January 24 after Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas met with DPWH-6 officials to ensure the readiness of the inauguration.

Sunset Boulevard is a 4.99-kilometer, four-lane road project that begins at Molo-Mandurriao Road, intersects with the Iloilo Circumferential Road, and concludes at Oton-Pakiad-Mandurriao Road.

Partially opened for jogging and recreational activities on June 23, 2024, during DPWH’s 126th-anniversary celebration, the boulevard features amenities such as an esplanade, bike lanes, paved walkways, and green landscaping to promote sustainability.

The PHP 2.07 billion project is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion along the Iloilo-Antique road.

Baronda clarified that it does not matter to her who leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony, underscoring her role in ensuring the project’s success.

“The important thing is that since I was elected in 2019, I made sure that all feasibility studies and projects started by former Senator Franklin Drilon were properly funded after he left office. Why? Because I firmly believe that all projects meant to benefit the people should be supported,” she said.

Baronda confirmed her attendance at the inauguration.