LAND IN THE SEA?: Iloilo City Reviews PHP18-B Reclamation Island Proposal

 

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government is reviewing an unsolicited PHP18.27 billion proposal for a 662-hectare island-type reclamation project that would create new land off the city’s coastline.

Atty. David Abraham Garcia, head of PPP Iloilo City, said the proposal—named the Iloilo Global City project—was submitted by Iloilo Global City Corp., an affiliate of listed property developer Cebu Landmasters Inc.

The project is the largest among 14 newly listed ventures in the national Public-Private Partnership pipeline.

“This is an island-type reclamation project with at least a 50-meter distance from the mainland,” Garcia said in a May 6 interview.

The reclamation would span from Fort San Pedro in City Proper to Villa Arevalo and the coastal area of Bitoon in Jaro.

Garcia said the project aims to expand Iloilo City’s limited land area by developing residential, commercial and industrial zones.

“What the city did is accept the proposal—it’s acceptance, not approval,” he clarified.

He said the city government had only 10 working days to respond to the proposal or it would automatically move to the next stage.

“We accepted it so we can proceed to detailed evaluation,” he added.

Garcia emphasized that final approval rests with the Iloilo City Council.

The evaluation is expected to be completed by the end of June, after which a three-month negotiation phase may follow if the review is favorable.

Garcia said they invited national agencies, including the Philippine Reclamation Authority, MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to provide feedback on the plan.

“We need to inform them of the project and understand their requirements for it to proceed,” he said.

He added that the city is also reviewing other reclamation proposals from the DPWH and the Philippine Ports Authority to check for potential overlaps.

“One of the reasons we consult these offices is to understand the progress and seriousness of their projects,” he said.

“Who knows—if they see this is a priority for the city, they might give way,” he added.

Under the proposal, the city expects to acquire 51% of the reclaimed land without spending public funds.

This share includes both national and local government interests.

Garcia said the city aims to secure full ownership of its share through a presidential proclamation.

The remaining 49% would be retained by project proponent IGCC, he added.