Hundreds visit Iloilo River Esplanade

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Days after its opening, hundreds of residents trooped daily to the Iloilo River Esplanade, now considered one of the city’s prime destination.

During early morning, joggers go for a run or walk along the 1.2-kilometer Esplanade while during afternoons and evenings hundreds of people flocked to the area for various reasons.

Because of the number of people frequenting the area, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has deployed considerable number of personnel to intensify its police visibility.

Last Saturday, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao joined Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon during the inauguration of the Esplanade that stretches along the 22-kilometer Iloilo River with a viewing deck for visitors.

Drilon believed that the Esplanade will buoy the tourism in the city, as well as create environmental awareness among the city’s residents.

It was gathered that the Esplanade’s design was done by renowned architect Paulo Alcazaren, who was also responsible for developing the Singapore Quay.

Drilon tapped Alcazaren to do over the Esplanade, which was conceptualized to revive and preserve the Iloilo River.

Its construction started November 2011 and was funded with P70 million put together by Drilon through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The inaugural event coincided with the celebration of Iloilo City’s 75th Founding Anniversary, which will have its highlight on Saturday, August 25. – THE FREEMAN