By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo City government will implement strict regulations on Iloilo Sunset Boulevard following the formal turnover of the PHP2.261 billion road project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The road project, now under city management, will be subject to enhanced rules to maintain cleanliness, security, and public order under Executive Order No. 017, issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Under the EO, families bringing food and drinks are encouraged to take their trash with them, and the use of tables is prohibited to keep walkways clear for pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists.
Pet owners must keep their animals under control and are responsible for cleaning up after them.
To regulate commercial activities along the boulevard, Treñas mandated that only ambulant vendors with license plates, business permits, health cards, and training will be allowed to operate.
“Vendors are only allowed to sell at designated areas on the northern side of the road and are prohibited from selling in front of the viewing decks and designated biking areas,” the EO stated.
Vehicles are also prohibited from parking on both sides of the road in front of the viewing decks, and reserving portions of the boulevard for parking is not allowed.
The city government reiterated the enforcement of the no-smoking policy in public spaces, including the boulevard.
To ensure the proper implementation of regulatory ordinances, Treñas issued another EO creating the Sunset Boulevard Task Force, which will be led by retired police Colonel Uldarico Garbanzos, head of the Traffic and Transportation Management Office and concurrent officer-in-charge of the Public Order and Safety Management Office.
The task force will oversee public order and safety, monitor and enforce traffic regulations, manage road congestion, and implement strategies to ensure smooth transit for all users.
It will also handle emergency responses to traffic-related incidents and promote sustainable mobility by encouraging eco-friendly transportation options such as cycling and walking.
The DPWH turned over the management of the boulevard to the city government due to a lack of maintenance funds.
After its full opening to the public on Jan. 24, the project faced issues related to garbage disposal, on-road parking, and drinking inside parked vehicles.
