Let’s prioritize sustainability in infra projects, says Iloilo City mayor

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas talks to reporters during the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) investment forum on Monday, November 20. Photo from the mayor’s Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines – The mayor of Iloilo City on Monday stressed that he is prioritizing sustainability amid the rapid urbanization of the city and its neighboring municipalities.

On the sidelines of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) investment forum, Mayor Jerry Treñas assured that his local government unit (LGU), along with the city’s eight partner towns in MIGEDC, is working closely with the state’s environment agency in securing the protection of the environment.

“It’s part of the program that there is sustainability. We work very closely with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and Iloilo City also works closely with other municipalities to make sure that there is sustainability,” he said.

Treñas is also the chairman of MIGEDC, an inter-LGU alliance comprising of Iloilo City, Guimaras Province, San Miguel, Cabatuan, Leganes, Oton, Pavia, and Sta. Barbara.

In his welcome remarks delivered in front of business leaders, Iloilo Economic Development (ILED) Foundation Chairman Engr. Terence Uygongco likewise stressed that the foundation, in partnership with MIGEDC, is putting emphasis on sustainable development in the district.

This is amid the rapid urbanization of the district and the outpour of proposed infrastructures, including a P50 billion Iloilo City Reclamation Project that will span three coastal areas in the city.

In a handout given to attendees of the forum, the reclamation project was said to involve two major site developments spanning Fort San Pedro, the Iloilo Fishing Port Complex, and Barangay Bitoon.

READ: Iloilo business groups eye P500M in new ventures

MIGEDC’s other proposed projects include a technology park in the Municipality of San Miguel, and an Ecological Waste Processing Facility in the Municipality of Oton.

The council, in partnership with ILED Foundation,  held a business forum on Monday, November 20, where they presented investment opportunities in Iloilo City and its allied municipalities.

The forum was attended by business leaders in several industries including power, water, infrastructure, medical services, and tourism among others.