Some residents of Iloilo City watch the sunset from the Iloilo River North Bank Road in this photo taken on Jan. 17. Also called Sunset Boulevard, the four-lane road with paved sidewalk and bike lane was constructed through the help of former Senate President Franklin Drilon and was officially opened on Friday. —IAN PAUL CORDERO
ILOILO CITY — Iloilo’s newest scenic spot is facing a crackdown, less than a month after it was inaugurated, after public drinking and littering turned it into an eyesore.
Mayor Jerry Treñas announced on Feb. 3, that alcohol consumption is banned along the five-kilometer stretch of the Sunset Boulevard, also known as the Iloilo River North Bank Road, citing growing concerns over safety and sanitation.
“I don’t think we will be able to allow drinking to continue. Prior to the issuance of a specific ordinance covering all aspects, I will be issuing an executive order to that effect. Don’t try my patience,” he said.
READ: Iloilo City bans alcoholic drinks along Sunset Boulevard
The crackdown follows a social media storm after photos of garbage-strewn shorelines went viral.
Facebook user Steve Francis Quaitchon posted images of plastic bottles, cans, and other waste clogging the wetland area, triggering outrage.
The P2.261-billion, 4.972-kilometer Iloilo Sunset Boulevard stretches from Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao District in Iloilo City to Barangay Cagbang in Oton town.
It features four lanes, bike paths, solar-powered LED lights, viewing decks, and recreational spaces.
It first opened to joggers in June 2024 but was formally inaugurated last Jan. 24, when it became fully accessible to vehicles. The boulevard quickly becomes a popular destination—but also a growing headache for authorities due to littering and public drinking.
To counter the mess, the General Services Office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office launched a cleanup operation over the weekend, covering both the boulevard and the adjacent river.
Temporary garbage bins and kaings (woven baskets) will be placed throughout the area while “green guards” will patrol to enforce cleanliness.
Beyond sanitation, the city is ramping up security. More police patrol cars and motorcycles have been deployed to maintain order and crack down on public drinking.
Treñas also ordered Col. Kim Legada, Iloilo City Police Office director, to ensure police visibility and enforce existing rules, including the anti-littering policy and a curfew for minors.
The mayor is even taking road safety a step further.
He said he planned to tap the Land Transportation Office to conduct sobriety tests on drivers before they leave Sunset Boulevard, ensuring that intoxicated individuals don’t get behind the wheel.
Another growing concern is the presence of stray dogs in the area.
The Office of the City Veterinarian will round up loose animals, returning collared pets to their owners while impounding and vaccinating the strays.
Ambulant vendors will still be allowed but only if they secure health and sanitary permits.
The city also plans to install portable toilets to address sanitation issues with measures in place to prevent vandalism.
To ensure better management of the boulevard, Treñas is seeking approval from the Iloilo City Council for the partial turnover of the road from the Department of Public Works and Highways to the city government.
“Keeping Sunset Boulevard clean and orderly is not just the city’s job. It is everyone’s responsibility. We take pride in Iloilo City’s beauty and order, and I urge all Ilonggos and visitors alike to do their part. Let us respect and protect the spaces that the government has worked hard to build,” Treñas said.
“I will not allow Sunset Boulevard to deteriorate because of your irresponsible actions,” he added.