Reclamation projects eyed in Iloilo City coastlines to expand commercial area

Reclamation projects in the coastlines of Iloilo City will be among the priorities of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas to expand the city’s commercial area and spur development.

Treñas vowed that his administration will focus on pushing for reclamation projects in the city after securing his fresh term in the recently concluded local and national elections.

“Ang isa nga tutukan ta sa bag-o nga term siguro ang reclamation kay bal-an niyo wala na gid duta, wala na gid kita duta unless we have possible land for development,” he said during the regular press conference on Monday.

According to City Planning and Development Officer Jose Roni Peñalosa, the city government even during the previous administration has received unsolicited proposals from different companies and the private sector to undertake land reclamation projects in the metro.

“We are in the process. In the previous administration, may nakita na kita but nakita naton nga kulang pa ang ila requirements to be awarded with original proponent status,” he said.

Currently, Peñalosa, said they are looking at the possible reclamation projects in the city’s coastlines particularly in the Northeastern boundary in Leganes and the Southern coastlines in Oton.

“This is along sa coastlines halin sa aton Northeastern Boundary with Leganes and all the way diri sa Southern Coastlines naton, all the way sa aton boundary sa Oton. May ara man local investors, entrepreneurs are taking interests,” he said.

Peñalosa said the mayor is pushing for reclamation project in the city’s Southern Coastlines to expand the commercial area particularly the Downtown area.

Meanwhile, the reclamation projects eyed in the city’s North Eastern Coastlines can be a potential for light industries.

“Ang ginalantaw ni mayor subong ang reclamation diri sa southern coastlines in effect iga-expand ang commercial area for example sa Downtown area and didto naman sa North Eastern naton ang mga potential nga light industries perhaps kon manotice mo ina adjacent to the corridor, gates of the two ports, Dumangas Port, Loboc Port and right beside our industrial zone,” Peñalosa explained.

While there are several proposals, the City Planning and Development Officer added that they prefer the more “innovative” island-type reclamation which will not disrupt the navigational flow of the sea vessels.

“We are happy with this proposal, ang concept is no longer nga itapik lang siya sa mainland. This comes out as sort of an island nga established close sa coastlines naton. What is important is may i-maintain sila nga waterway para indi madisrupt ang navigational flow sang pump boats, sea vessels diri,” he said.

Peñalosa underscored the need for the city to undertake reclamation projects to expand the city’s land area and keep up with its consistent development.

“Like any other place limited aton land and ang aton pag-urbanize and pagdevelop seem to be unlimited because grabe ang pagpick up sang economy naton that is why the city government is pushing this. It contributes to the thrust of the city government in expanding the economic potential of the city,” he noted.

The City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) assured that while they are open to more investments, they will be strict on the compliance with the requirements of the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

Peñalosa added that one of the requirements for the project to commence is environmental clearance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (DG)