City Hall opposes PHP 150M footbridge over Iloilo River

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government is firmly opposing the proposed PHP 150 million footbridge that would link Sunset Boulevard and Carpenter’s Bridge in Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, in a letter to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, raised concerns over project redundancy, environmental risks, lack of consultations, and missing permits.

The project, labeled a “connectivity bridge/footbridge and Esplanade 12 embankment project,” has a total estimated length of 240 linear meters.

Treñas-Chu said the city already has 11 existing connectivity structures and 13 esplanade sections along the Iloilo River, making the proposed footbridge unnecessary.

She described the PHP 150 million price tag as “excessive and unconscionable” for infrastructure offering no new functionality.

The mayor also claimed the project lacks an Environmental Compliance Certificate or a Certificate of Non-Coverage from relevant national agencies.

She alleged that mangrove trees, which were supposed to be earth-balled as part of mitigation efforts, were either abandoned to die or cut down for firewood.

Treñas-Chu added that despite a notice to proceed already being issued to the contractor, the project has not secured necessary permits from various government offices.

She emphasized that the project failed to comply with requirements under the Local Government Code, including consultations with local officials and prior City Council approval.

Opposition to the project was further echoed by Lucy Lynette Ponce Uygongco of the Iloilo River Community, who warned that the footbridge would “endanger the river itself.”

Uygongco said the proposed structure would cut across the river, alter its natural flow, damage biodiversity, and impact a designated heritage site.

She also noted that the existing Carpenter Bridge already includes a pedestrian promenade integrated into the Iloilo River Esplanade.

She stressed that the city’s current pedestrian and cyclist network sufficiently serves daily commuters and tourists, rendering the project unnecessary.

According to Uygongco, the proposed bridge offers “negligible additional value” to the overall visitor experience.

The Iloilo River Community called for the project’s suspension pending an independent study to assess its environmental, social, and cultural impacts.

They also urged government agencies to hold public consultations and explore smarter alternatives aligned with urban sustainability.

Suggested alternatives include smaller pedestrian crossings over tributaries, improved slope protection, and upgrades to the current esplanade network.