City councilor pushes car-free Sundays on Sunset Boulevard

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A proposal to designate a portion of the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard as a car-free zone every Sunday has passed on first reading at the Iloilo City Council, with proponent Councilor Miguel Treñas saying the measure aims to promote safer, more accessible spaces for active mobility advocates.

The ordinance would temporarily close a section of the boulevard to motor vehicles to allow for recreational, fitness, and community activities.

Treñas said the proposal was prompted by requests from active mobility advocates, particularly runners who regularly use the boulevard.

“We are looking at Sunday because there are so many runners that requested us that there should be an area where they can run on Sunset Boulevard,” he said Wednesday.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the specific schedule of the car-free period, including whether it will be implemented in the morning or afternoon.

Treñas said the proposal was also inspired by similar programs in major cities such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Tokyo, Singapore, and New York.

He said car-free initiatives have been adopted worldwide because they promote healthier communities, create safer public spaces, and provide opportunities for families and residents to spend time together.

“This is not just for runners, cyclists, or fitness enthusiasts. It is for families looking for quality time together, children who need safe spaces to play, senior citizens who want to enjoy a morning walk, and Ilonggos who simply want to experience a cleaner, more people-centered city,” he said.

The ordinance would support active mobility, encourage community interaction, and help reduce carbon emissions, Treñas said.

Treñas said the initiative aims to transform roads into shared public spaces where people take priority over vehicles.

“This is part of our vision for a healthier, more inclusive, and more livable Iloilo City,” he said.

The 5-kilometer road section along the north bank of the Iloilo River, from Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao to Barangay Cagbang in Oton, was officially opened to vehicular traffic in January 2025.

The road was primarily constructed to ease heavy traffic along the Iloilo-Antique Road in the Molo and Arevalo districts.