The much-anticipated Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, stretching from Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao, Iloilo City to Barangay Cagbang in Oton, is gearing up for its grand opening to vehicular traffic on January 24, 2025. This PHP2.261-billion project, officially named the Iloilo River North Bank Road, is a testament to the region’s commitment to improving infrastructure and quality of life.
Spanning five kilometers from Molo to Mandurriao, the boulevard not only enhances connectivity with key roads like the Oton-Pakiad-Mandurriao Road and the Iloilo Circumferential Road (C-1) but also introduces a host of amenities designed to enrich the commuting experience. Features such as esplanades, viewing decks, bike lanes, walkways, and extensive landscaping transform the route into a scenic and eco-friendly corridor.
Sanny Boy Oropel, the Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas (DPWH 6), underscored the boulevard’s significance in alleviating traffic congestion and fostering better connections between Iloilo City and its neighboring municipalities. Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dual benefits of the project in enhancing traffic flow and providing a recreational haven for both locals and tourists. The opening ceremony will feature biking and tree-planting activities, symbolizing the community’s commitment to sustainability.
Since its inception in 2021, the project has seen an investment of PHP1.591 billion, with an additional PHP300 million allocated from the 2024 General Appropriations Act and the 2025 National Expenditure Program, ensuring its completion and readiness for public use.