BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Following the underground cabling of Calle Real, Mayor Jerry Treñas has directed utilities and telecommunications companies to expedite the removal of unsightly wires along the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue (formerly Diversion Road).
Treñas underscored the importance of meeting the Jan. 16, 2025 deadline he set, emphasizing the project’s significance in preserving the avenue’s aesthetic and functional value.
Describing the dangling wires as resembling “clotheslines”, the mayor pointed out their negative impact on the iconic stretch’s visual appeal.
“These unsightly lines detract from the beauty of the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue. I urge all public utility companies to act swiftly and responsibly,” Treñas said.
He called on public utility companies to cooperate swiftly, asserting his commitment to Iloilo City’s welfare.
“I will always stand for Iloilo City and its people against any vested interest that goes against the good of my beloved Ilonggos,” the mayor said.
Treñas expressed particular disappointment over the state of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, emphasizing that the unsightly wires undermine the significant investments made by the national government, particularly through the efforts of former senator Franklin Drilon.
These investments include millions of pesos allocated for the construction and development of bike lanes and service roads along the iconic stretch.
The mayor reiterated that such infrastructure projects were intended to enhance the functionality and beauty of the area, making it more accessible and appealing to the public.
However, the presence of dangling wires contradicts these goals, prompting Treñas to call for urgent action.
“We cannot let these wires ruin the hard work and resources invested to improve Benigno Aquino Avenue for the benefit of all Ilonggos,” the mayor stressed.
Treñas reaffirmed his commitment to Iloilo City’s underground cabling project, emphasizing its importance for urban development and heritage preservation.
The initiative, mandated by Regulation Ordinance No. 2023-006, requires utility companies to relocate their wires underground in designated areas, including Calle Real and Aquino Avenue, within a 240-day compliance period.
The ordinance, authored by Councilor Romel Duron, includes penalties for non-compliance, such as fines and potential permit cancellations.
Treñas has acknowledged the cooperation of Converge, Globe, Smart, and PLDT, which have successfully removed their lines and poles along Calle Real in adherence to the city’s ordinance and extended deadlines.
To ensure compliance from other utilities, the mayor directed City Administrator Melchor Tan and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to monitor the progress closely.
A meeting was held with utility representatives to ensure seamless coordination.
Treñas warned that for those still non-compliant, the CEO would begin dismantling remaining lines and poles immediately, emphasizing,
“Companies are expected to comply with this deadline as no further extensions will be granted,” he said.
Treñas also stressed the removal of redundant wooden and concrete poles to declutter Calle Real and preserve its heritage value.
He described the project as a cornerstone of the city’s urban transformation, blending progress with the preservation of historical integrity:
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that Calle Real remains a symbol of Iloilo City’s progress and history,” the mayor added.
The mayor’s directive underlined Iloilo City’s dedication to safeguarding public spaces, enhancing visual appeal, and maintaining its reputation as a model city for development and heritage preservation./PN
