City reclamation project faces complexities, planning officer says

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The long-standing proposals for land reclamation in Iloilo City have recently resurfaced in public discourse, prompting the city’s head of planning to outline the numerous factors that must be considered for these initiatives to materialize.

Mayor Jerry Treñas has been promoting current reclamation plans for parts of the city’s coast, inspired by insights from the World Governments Summit he attended in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this February.

The proposal on the table involves the creation of an island, ranging from 100 to 300 hectares, situated 20 meters offshore along the Iloilo Strait, beginning at the Fort San Pedro area.

Treñas has assured that the plans include a comprehensive drainage system to mitigate environmental concerns, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, with project approval to be sought from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI), known for developing the Terranza Residences—a project previously scrutinized for its proximity to the city’s heritage district and alleged impact on the stability of Iznart Street—is the proponent of the reclamation.

“With reclamation, you have the opportunity for well-planned development. It brings more economic activities, more jobs, and increases the city’s appeal,” Mayor Treñas expressed his support.

“I am hopeful that it will materialize in our lifetime, creating more job opportunities for the people of Iloilo,” he continued.

The process, however, is not straightforward.

City Planning and Development Officer (CPDO) Ronald Cartagena, acting officer-in-charge, indicated that the proposal might also require endorsement from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, in accordance with the new Republic Act No. 11966 (PPP Code).

Cartagena elaborated that the exact location and potential constraints are contingent on the city’s Local Biodiversity and Coastal Management Resource plans, which fall under his purview.

“We’re committed to thoroughly reviewing the reclamation proposals due to their environmental, social, and economic implications,” he told Daily Guardian.

“We need to conduct our due diligence, examining the underwater conditions to ascertain feasibility. Additionally, we must consider the impact on biodiversity and conservation efforts. Constituent opposition will also play a crucial role in our deliberations,” he explained.

Cartagena also noted that reclamation might be confined to the coastal stretch between Fort San Pedro and the Iloilo Fish Port Complex, given the existing physical conditions.

“The northern city sectors, like Hinactacan in La Paz and Bitoon in Jaro, are rich in mangroves. We’re delineating zones for development and preservation to identify potential sites for reclamation,” stated the CPDO chief.

He further mentioned that the downstream areas, including Villa Arevalo and the beach vicinity of Calumpang in Molo, require separate evaluation due to their unique characteristics.

“Reclamation projects have been considered since the city’s infrastructural development began accelerating in the mid-2000s, with recent proposals during the tenures of former Mayor Jose Espinosa III and Mayor Treñas,” he recalled.

Peñalosa, the previous CPDO chief, had referenced a 2022 city proposal targeting reclamation near the borders with Oton and Leganes for commercial expansion. This project was estimated at ₱50 billion, as documented on the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) website.