ILOILO City – Advocating for and influencing positive lifestyle change is a big stride in Iloilo City’s bid towards becoming a more liveable metropolis.
Recently, this southern city has emerged as one of the Top 18 Most Fitness-Friendly Cities in the World, according to Headline Bulletin (hbuk.co.uk), a premier online journal network.
Headline Bulletin’s October 2024 website publication cited the expansive bike lanes and the array of fitness and recreational activities one may enjoy with the scenic view of the Iloilo River.
Iloilo City is the only city from the Philippines to make it to the list.
According to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the recognition is a proof of the city government’s long-term efforts to transform Iloilo City into a beautiful and active-friendly place for everyone.
He also acknowledged the significant contributions of former senator Franklin Drilon in realizing infrastructure projects for Iloilo City like the Iloilo River Esplanade.
“We have extended the Iloilo River Esplanade, which is now a favorite spot for morning runs and outdoor fitness sessions. We also established bike lanes across the city, making Iloilo the first in the Philippines to implement such an expansive cycling infrastructure,” the city mayor pointed out.
He said the initiatives have garnered the city awards as a bike-friendly city, while its continued support for sports events and fitness activities allows everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Complementing these infrastructures are the improvements of the city’s district plazas and open spaces like Sunburst Park, which have become favorite spots for Ilonggos for recreational activities and bonding.
“Whether through cycling, running, or city-wide events, Iloilo continues to rise as a hub for fitness. Let’s sustain this progress and look forward to more wellness developments in our beloved city,” he added.
Meanwhile, several well-known personalities and fitness enthusiasts have been in the southern metropolis and have attested to the beauty of green urban living in Iloilo City.
Actress Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, for one, expressed admiration for Iloilo City’s biking and running paths following her visit on November 2.
“Nag-PR sa Iloilo!!!! Ang ganda kasi ng mga iikutan dito! Well done, Iloilo! Such a paradise for bikers and runners,” she wrote on Threads, accompanied by a photo of her jogging along the Iloilo River Esplanade.
Peralejo-Bonifacio also thanked the locals who welcomed and invited her to the city and expressed a desire to return with a longer stay.
“Pero sabi ko nga, gusto ko bumalik dito na mas mahaba. Hanggang sa susunod! Thank you, sa Kansi at Batchoy, at sa Esplanade syempre!” she added.
Earlier in October, a female paddleboarder who successfully crossed Iloilo to Negros said having the chance to live in Iloilo City, her “adoptive” home, made her an athlete.
Lucy Lynette Ponce-Uygongco is the first person to successfully brave the 23-kilometer inter-island journey via stand-up paddle (SUP) on October 19, 2024.
The 54-year-old said this feat, in part, is thanks to a fitness-friendly city that propelled her inner vigor.
“Reflecting on how my lifestyle has changed from being sedentary into an active biker and inter-island paddler, all thanks to Iloilo City,” Uygongco said via Meta profile LpuKids Ibike and Ipaddle.
She revealed that it was in the middle of the pandemic when she discovered the bike lane and the Iloilo River Esplanade and became an enthusiast.
“It was also during lockdown that I discovered SUP through coach Gary Benedicto. Iloilo River became my playground, my sanctuary, my training ground,” she said.
“I can truly attest that I’m a living example of how it is to live in one of the Top 18 Fitness-Friendly Cities in the world. Salamat Mayor Jerry (Treñas) for making Iloilo City an area for lifestyle changes and making it possible through the Iloilo River for me to conquer and make history, paddling Iloilo to Guimaras and Panay to Negros in my 50s!” Uygongco added.
As for her recent paddleboarding feat, her starting point was Banate, Iloilo Boulevard, and arrived at Pasil Sandbar in Barangay Latasan, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental.
It took her five hours and 27 minutes and an average speed of 4.2 km per hour compared to her expected 6.5 to 8 hours and 3.2 km per hour speed during training.
She underwent three intensive days of training after coach Gary Benedicto, a Filipino bemedalled stand-up paddleboarder, encouraged her to take on the challenge.
In 2022, she became the first woman to cross Iloilo to Guimaras via SUP on two separate occasions.
“The Iloilo government gave us access to open space, and nature is within reach; thus, I was able to develop this lifestyle — bike and paddle… Consider the importance of balance and sustainability; other LGUs should do what Iloilo City is doing,” said Uygongco.
With Uygongco’s inspiring journey and many more similar stories from other Ilonggos, the Iloilo City government remains committed to sustaining strides to achieve Iloilo City’s outlook as a livable, sustainable, and resilient metropolis./PN
