The Iloilo City Government, led by Mayor Jerry Treñas, is intensifying efforts to enforce the relocation of overhead utility wires underground along Diversion Road (B.S. Aquino Avenue) in compliance with Regulation Ordinance 2023-006.
Public utility companies, including telecommunications and cable service providers, met with city officials to address the ordinance’s implementation. Initially, the deadline for removing overhead wires was set for January 16, 2025. However, in response to challenges raised by utility providers, Mayor Treñas has granted a three-month extension, moving the deadline to the end of April 2025.
“I understand that some companies may need additional time to address this matter properly. For this reason, I am granting a maximum extension of three months, or until the end of April 2025, to those who submit a formal letter of request. However, for those who fail to request an extension, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) will proceed with dismantling the clotheslines,” Mayor Treñas announced.
City’s Vision for a Clean and Safe Urban Landscape
The ordinance mandates the relocation of wires and cables within plaza complexes, Sunburst Park, B.S. Aquino Avenue, and heritage sites to improve the city’s aesthetic appeal, ensure public safety, and support Iloilo City’s ongoing modernization efforts.
To expedite the process, the mayor has tasked Francis Cruz, co-chairman of the Public Utilities Group in Iloilo (PUGI), to collaborate with the CEO in walking through the designated areas, identifying unaccounted-for lines, and ensuring their removal.
Mayor Treñas emphasized, “I am determined to clear these clotheslines as they are unsightly and detract from the overall beauty of Benigno Aquino Avenue.”
Accountability and Progress
Last week, the City Engineer’s Office demonstrated its commitment to the program by removing tangled wires and poles along JM Basa Street after the December 31 deadline lapsed.
The mayor also addressed delays in restoring internet connections caused by the removal of PLDT’s overhead lines on JM Basa Street. He demanded a written apology from PLDT Panay/Palawan head Dane Macapagal to affected subscribers, setting a strict deadline for compliance.
“Ilonggos deserve better, and subscribers deserve a clear explanation for this inconvenience,” the mayor said.
A Model for Urban Development
The underground cabling initiative along Diversion Road is a key element of Iloilo City’s broader goal to modernize its infrastructure while preserving its cultural and historical heritage. With the new deadline extension, the city remains committed to balancing progress with accountability and collaboration.
This project underscores Iloilo City’s vision of creating a safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing environment, further solidifying its status as one of the country’s most progressive urban centers.
