By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo City government has begun dismantling remaining utility lines and poles along Calle Real in the City Proper district following the December 2024 deadline.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the City Engineer’s Office started the operations on Thursday afternoon, January 2.
“We must adhere to the deadlines set for this project. Redundant wooden and concrete poles will also be removed to clear the area and maintain the integrity of our heritage site,” Treñas said.
The city government held a meeting with public utility companies Thursday morning to ensure coordination and consultations before the dismantling began.
Treñas confirmed that telecommunications providers Converge, Globe, Smart, and PLDT had removed their lines and poles in compliance with the city ordinance and extended deadline.
In 2023, the Iloilo City Council passed an ordinance requiring public utility companies to place cables underground in key areas, including Calle Real, Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, Sunburst Park, and other protected cultural and heritage sites.
The ordinance imposes a fine of PHP5,000 for non-compliance after three notices and allows for the cancellation of business permits after a fourth notice.
Treñas had previously granted a final extension until December 2024, warning of immediate enforcement actions for non-compliance.
“Our underground cabling project prioritizes Calle Real. This ordinance mandates all utility wires to be placed underground,” Treñas said.
He reiterated that the 2023 ordinance applies to all utility providers operating in Iloilo City, including PLDT, which were given one year to comply.
