Award-winning Iloilo River Esplanade started with a flood control project

What a difference 10 years can make!

From a once dirty river, the Iloilo River has transformed into a captivating sight, featuring a 10-kilometer walkable public space known as the Iloilo River Esplanade.

According to Martin Javier’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday, it all began with a flood control project that eventually evolved into a beautiful park.

“One of the issues here before was the lack of access to the Iloilo River. We took advantage of this and made it a linear park,” said Engr. Noel Hechanova, former CENRO head of Iloilo City.

The project commenced in 2008, and the 10 years of hard work proved worthwhile. Besides enhancing the surroundings, it provided Ilonggos with a space for various activities.

“It inspired not only walkability and cycling, but other environmental projects like Iloilo River restoration and mangrove conservation,” added Engr. Hechanova.

The Iloilo River Esplanade garnered recognition in 2018, including the 2018 Galing Pook Awardee for advocating ecological sustainability and a sense of security and livability. It also received the Haligi ng Dangal award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for Landscape Architecture.

—CACM, GMA Integrated News