ILOILO CITY – Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed concern over the lack of preparation for the influx of visitors to the newly opened Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, also known as the Iloilo River North Bank Road.
The area became a hotspot for thousands of residents and tourists during the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival 2025. Visitors flocked to the boulevard, bringing their vehicles and using it as a makeshift parking spot.
Mayor Treñas was taken aback by the amount of garbage collected from the area—a truckload of trash in just a short period. The waste included empty liquor bottles, plastic soft drink containers, water gallons, barbecue sticks, snack wrappers, paper bags, and beer cups, which were left scattered along the road.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Mayor Treñas admitted that he did not anticipate Sunset Boulevard becoming one of the top destinations during the festival, alongside the downtown area and Iloilo Business Park.
To address the situation, Mayor Treñas reached out to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 Director Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, requesting the turnover of Sunset Boulevard to the Iloilo City Government.
According to the mayor, this will allow the city to pass an ordinance specifically for the area, allocate funds for the installation of garbage bins and benches, and implement rules and regulations to maintain order.
Mayor Treñas also noted complaints from condominium owners near the boulevard about the noise caused by people drinking in the area.
While he welcomes the public’s enthusiasm for the new attraction, the mayor emphasized the importance of responsible behavior. Visitors should be mindful of their actions, minimize noise, and properly dispose of trash to preserve the cleanliness, peace, and beauty of the boulevard.
