URBAN development often prioritizes commerce and convenience over quality, but Iloilo City has shown what’s possible when planning puts people’s health and well-being at the forefront. Recognized as a fitness-friendly city, Iloilo offers invaluable lessons for other cities aiming to create more livable and active urban environments.
At the core of Iloilo’s success is its zeal to inclusive, health-oriented infrastructure. The Iloilo River Esplanade, a picturesque walkway, is a community space that invites people to walk, run, bike, and bond with nature. Its expansive bike lanes, a pioneering project in the Philippines, have made cycling not only a recreational activity but a viable mode of transportation. These efforts mirror the city’s vision of wellness as an essential public service, not a luxury.
What can other cities take away from this? First, infrastructure planning must prioritize accessibility and safety. Iloilo’s bike lanes, for instance, are integrated into the city’s main thoroughfares, ensuring cyclists feel secure while navigating urban streets. Cities like Metro Manila and Cebu, which struggle with traffic congestion, could significantly benefit from adopting similar cyclist-friendly systems, reducing car dependency while promoting healthier lifestyles.
Second, partnerships are important. Iloilo’s transformation owes much to collaboration between the local government unit, private entities, and national figures like former senator Franklin Drilon, whose efforts helped fund and realize key projects like the Esplanade. Other cities can replicate this model by engaging businesses and stakeholders in wellness initiatives, perhaps offering tax incentives for corporate sponsorships or integrating green spaces into private developments.
Another key takeaway is Iloilo’s community-driven approach. From hosting fitness events to supporting grassroots athletic groups, the city ensures that its residents actively participate in shaping and sustaining its fitness-friendly environment. Cities like Davao or Bacolod, known for their community-oriented cultures, could adopt similar strategies to foster civic pride and involvement in public wellness projects.
Additionally, Iloilo demonstrates the value of consistent leadership and a long-term vision. The city government has championed health-oriented policies that have gradually transformed the cityscape over the years. The lesson for other cities is clear: meaningful change does not happen overnight but requires commitment to a clear set of goals.
However, replicating Iloilo’s success will require adaptation to local contexts. Not every city has the same geographic layout or resources, but the principles of Iloilo’s approach — prioritizing public health, fostering partnerships, and engaging communities — are universally applicable. Even small-scale projects, like creating pocket parks or designating car-free zones, can spark transformative change.
Iloilo City shows that active urban living is not a utopian ideal but a practical and achievable goal. Cities struggling with pollution, sedentary lifestyles, and deteriorating public spaces have much to learn from Iloilo’s example. The challenge is for other cities to act now. The rewards — a healthier, happier, and more connected citizenry — are well worth the effort.
