Diversion bridge gets colorful makeover

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

The plain-colored bridge stretching Iloilo River in Mandurriao district, also known as Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue Bridge, underwent a colorful transformation on Friday, adding another vibrant attraction to Iloilo City.

Members of Hubon Ilonggo and Araut Visual Artists Collective of Dumangas added color to the plain-colored railings of the Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue or Diversion Bridge.

According to Mayor Jerry Treñas, the transformation was inspired by the colourful Alkaff Bridge in Singapore which was a work of Filipino artist Pacita Abad.

The mayor said several vacant walls and another bridge in the city will also be transformed into vibrant art scenes as the city continues to promote street and public art.

“Aside sa Diversion, may isa pa gid nga taytay nga pagapintahan nila. There will be more walls that will be painted. May ara kita two to three walls in Muelley Loney area and one in General Luna,” he said.

Since 2019, the city government partnered with local and Manila artists to turn vacant walls in the city into colorful mural paintings.

The first mural project of the city government was inaugurated by Treñas in Brgy. Sambag in Jaro district last October.

It was then followed by mural projects located at the corner of Solis Street and Muelly Loney in City Proper district and the series of walls stretching in front of the Iloilo City Community College (ICCC) in San Pedro St. in Molo district.

The mural paintings did not only showcase the key attractions in Iloilo City but also paid tribute to the rich culture of the city.

“Ang plano natn nga tanan nga bakante nga spaces ipintihan naton,” the mayor said.

Through the paintings and colorful art murals, Treñas said he hopes that children will also be inspired to be more creative.

“We want them to become more creative because ang colors, paintings, gainspire sa aton kabataan to be more creative and to find more sources nga pila ka adlaw na sila matake over madamo man ila creative responses sa aton problema sa siyudad,” he said.