By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC), in partnership with Swedfund International—Sweden’s development finance institution—has signed a grant agreement providing approximately PHP 33 million (6 million Swedish krona) for a feasibility study of a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Metro Iloilo.
Acting Iloilo City Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, representing MIGEDC Chair Ma yor Jerry Treñas, signed the agreement on Tuesday, Oct. 29, alongside Harald Fries, charge d’affaires of the Swedish Embassy in the Philippines.
Fries said the grant underscores Sweden’s recognition of Iloilo’s conducive environment for business partnerships, noting the city’s reputation as a progressive, business-friendly, and safe urban center.
“Sweden is proud to support Iloilo’s aspirations for a more efficient public transportation system,” Fries said. “Through this collaboration, we aim to introduce innovative solutions that enhance urban mobility and uplift the lives of Iloilo residents.”
The study will involve hiring a consultant to assess the technical, financial, environmental, and social feasibility of implementing the modern bus system, with specific steps to be outlined based on the findings, Fries explained.
Mae Balandan, a consultant with Business Sweden, said MIGEDC would oversee the search for a qualified consultant to initiate the study promptly.
“We’re moving quickly, and we’re committed to identifying a suitable consultant to start right away,” Balandan added.
Iloilo is the first local government unit in the Philippines to receive such grant assistance from Sweden.
Ganzon expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its importance in establishing a reliable public transport system for the metro area. He noted that the project is a significant step toward a modern, sustainable transit solution that will benefit Iloilo City and surrounding municipalities, including Oton, Leganes, Pavia, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, San Miguel, and the Province of Guimaras.
Also present at the signing were Johan Lennefalk, Sweden’s trade commissioner to the Philippines, Giselle Yap, senior trade promotions officer from the Swedish Embassy, and other Iloilo City government officials.
