The Ungka II flyover and Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, two big-ticket projects being constructed in Iloilo City, will remind Ilonggos of the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte who will be stepping down from his post on June 30.
The P680-million Ungka II flyover located at the junction of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue and the Felix Gorriceta Jr. Avenue in the municipality of Pavia is expected to open before the end of this month.
The four-lane and 453.7-lineal meter flyover is expected to ease traffic from the city going to the Iloilo International Airport in the municipality of Cabatuan.
“The traffic is worse in that area, so once it is completed, then probably the traffic (problem) will be resolved,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
Meanwhile, the P1. 4-billion Iloilo Sunset Boulevard will involve the construction of a 4.95-kilometer road from Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao to Barangay Cagban in the municipality of Oton broke ground on April 25, 2022.
“The road that leads from Mandurriao to Oton and will open up new investments areas in So-oc,” the mayor added.
The construction of the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard also known as the Iloilo River North Bank Road will be divided into two phases and is expected to be completed in March 2023.
Both projects being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways regional office have been realized through Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon who will also step down come June 30.
The mayor said that almost big projects in Iloilo are through the efforts of Drilon, hence he was at first apprehensive upon knowing that the senator will also retire from government service.
“His contribution in the Senate as one of the senior senators can never be overemphasized. But here we have witnessed how the city has improved since he poured majority of his projects here,” the mayor added.
He is hoping the present crop of Ilonggo leaders including re-elected Representative Julienne Baronda and Uswag Ilonggo party-list Representative Jojo Ang will also continue to pursue and continue more projects in the city.Perla Lena/PNA