Iloilo City became the first in the Visayas to implement an underground cabling project through public-private partnerships. As the Dinagyang Festival launched on January 10, both locals and visitors took note of a striking change—Calle Real’s skyline was finally free from overhead wires.
Known as J.M. Basa Street, the city’s historic Calle Real took the spotlight in local news, with images of street performers performing along its iconic path. What stood out in the photos was the clear, wire-free skyline—no more tangled overhead cables, giving the area a cleaner, more polished look.
According to Mayor Jerry Treñas, the project reflects the city’s dedication to enhancing urban spaces while preserving Iloilo’s heritage. “We have faced challenges in line with this initiative, but I am glad that we were able to pull it through. We hope to inspire other cities to undertake similar projects.”
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Possible through partnerships
The transformation of this historic street was made possible through a joint effort between Iloilo City’s government, MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), and several telecom providers. This project highlights the impact of decisive leadership and the advantages of strong collaboration among sectors.
Enforced on March 13, 2023, Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance 2023-006 requires power and telecom companies to relocate all overhead cables underground in heritage sites, plaza complexes, Sunburst Park, B.S. Aquino Avenue, and the historic Calle Real.
On the Iloilo City Government’s Facebook page, a December 30, 2024 post featured Treñas urging telecom providers to clear utility poles and cables from Calle Real. The deadline for removal was set for December 31, 2024.
MORE Power led the initiative, aiming to enhance its distribution network. The project, officially called the Hybrid Underground Distribution System (HUDS), is not just a technical advancement but also a dedication to safeguarding Iloilo City’s heritage while integrating modern infrastructure.
The mayor stated, “The transformation of Calle Real serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through political determination and effective partnerships, especially benefiting the community.”
The HUDS project has drawn interest from other local governments, including Muntinlupa City, whose officials visited Iloilo City to study the initiative and gather insights for their urban planning efforts.
Engr. Romar U. Dagupan, Muntinlupa City’s assistant city engineer, emphasized that many cities aspire to achieve the same progress. “The nuisance and eyesore caused by overhead wires — especially the electrical wires, in addition to telecom lines — have become a perennial problem,” he said. “Addressing this will truly contribute to the overall beautification of the city. This is a commendable initiative that the City of Muntinlupa would also like to emulate.”
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About Calle Real
Calle Real reflects the city’s rich colonial past and commercial heritage. Once the heart of the old Central Business District (CBD), it is lined with well-preserved heritage buildings showcasing neoclassical and Art Deco architecture.
The former CBD is among the key heritage sites protected under Republic Act 10555. This preservation law, advocated by Treñas during his tenure as a congressman, ensures the district’s historical integrity remains intact.
To reinforce the implementation of RA 10555, the city government has undertaken the complete restoration of public plazas, including Plaza Libertad in City Proper and those in Jaro, Molo, Arevalo, La Paz, and Mandurriao districts.
Sources:
https://bilyonaryo.com/2025/01/13/razons-more-power-cleans-up-iloilo-no-more-tangled-wires/power/