The Iloilo City River Esplanade has been celebrated with the 2024 Asian Townscape Award, recognizing its exemplary role in landscape architecture. This accolade underscores Iloilo City’s commitment to sustainability and urban excellence, setting a benchmark for other cities to emulate, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Spanning over 9 kilometers along both banks of the Iloilo River, the esplanade is the longest linear park in the Philippines. It features 13 sections linked by 11 bridges and extends across seven city districts. The timing of the award coincides with Iloilo City hosting the 44th CityNet Executive Committee Meeting, where the esplanade is highlighted as a prime example of the city’s best practices.
Mayor Treñas credited the project’s success to the foresight and leadership of former senator Franklin Drilon. He praised Drilon’s dedication to developing the Iloilo River area into a hub of progress, transforming it into a symbol of urban sustainability and local pride. This foundation continues to drive the city’s ongoing development.
The award was accepted by Ronald Cartagena, head of the City Planning and Development Office, in Fukuoka, Japan. The Asian Townscape Award is a collaborative effort by UN-HABITAT’s Regional Office for Asia and Pacific, the Asian Habitat Society, the Fukuoka Asian Urban Research Center, and the Asia Townscape Design Society.
In addition to this honor, Iloilo City is set to receive a special trophy for the Livable City Award under the themes of Inclusive, Circular, and Resilient City at the 3rd CityNet’s United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) SDG City Awards.