Finally, the historic Calle Real, officially named as JM Basa Street, in Iloilo City’s downtown area, has been freed of unsightly dangling cables and electrical wires or the so-called spaghetti wires.
Also called the “Escolta of Iloilo,” the century-old Calle Real (royal street in Spanish) was declared a heritage zone by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). It is home to well-preserved colonial-era buildings.
The removal of overhead utility lines is part of the P96-million Hybrid Underground Distribution System (HUDS) project implemented by More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), the city’s sole power distributor.
Iloilo City has become the first in Western Visayas to transfer power and cable lines underground, creating cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing streets while preserving the iconic beauty of its heritage district.
The project is in compliance with the city’s 2023 ordinance that mandates all public electricity companies, public telecommunication carriers, and other similar entities to place underground wires and cables within the confines of plaza complexes, Sunburst Park, B.S. Aquino Avenue, and all heritage sites in the city including Calle Real.
According to City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the underground cabling is “a testament to our commitment to modernization, safety, and beautification, especially in Calle Real.”
“This effort goes beyond aesthetics; it reflects our goal of delivering improved, reliable, and efficient utility services to every Ilonggo family,” he said.
“With this underground distribution system, Iloilo City sets a new standard for urban development in the region. We envision a city where heritage, progress, and quality of life coexist harmoniously, and this project brings us closer to that vision,” the mayor further said.IMT
