ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Government and the Department of Transportation officially broke ground on May 11, 2026, on a ₱74‑million active mobility hub that promises to make the city more walkable and bike‑friendly. The funding comes entirely from the DOTr, with no cost to the city. Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized that the national government recognized Iloilo as a leader in active mobility, making it only the second city in the country to receive this project after Marikina.
The project consists of four key components: urban shading or a green tunnel, end‑of‑trip cycling facilities, and improved public transport stops. The urban shading will stretch 378 linear meters along the bike lane of Cuartero‑Calubihan and another 352 linear meters from Plazuela de Iloilo toward San Rafael. The EOT facilities, located at the Esplanade 3 Skate Park and the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, will offer secure bicycle parking, showers, changing rooms, and lockers to support bike commuters.
A Catalyst for Property Value Uplift
Real estate markets have long recognized that walkable, bike‑friendly neighborhoods command premium prices. The green tunnel directly enhances the livability of the Mandurriao district, a prime commercial and residential corridor. For property owners along Diversion Road, the continuous vegetative canopy will reduce ambient heat, improve air quality, and create a more pleasant pedestrian experience—factors that translate into higher property desirability and rental yields.
The project also includes a separate initiative to plant 10,000 native trees along a four‑kilometer stretch of Diversion Road from Gen. Luna to Ungka, creating a true green corridor. Currently, 2,000 native trees are in place, with additional seedlings from DENR set for planting in July. This integrated approach to urban greening positions the surrounding barangays as increasingly attractive locations for residential development, particularly for buyers who prioritize sustainability and access to recreational infrastructure.
A Signal of Long-Term Development Confidence
Architect Wilfredo S. Sy Jr. noted that the project was conceived ahead of current crises, demonstrating proactive urban planning. The 280‑day timeline, with some components expected to finish earlier, signals efficient project execution. For developers, this kind of government investment in active mobility infrastructure serves as a reliable indicator of a neighborhood's long‑term growth trajectory.
Iloilo's property market already leads the Visayas‑Mindanao region, with Colliers Philippines reporting a 96 percent house‑and‑lot take‑up rate in early 2026. The green tunnel adds another layer of infrastructure that strengthens the city's appeal to investors and homebuyers. The project draws inspiration from similar facilities in Vienna, Austria, reinforcing Iloilo's ambition to align its urban development with global best practices. As construction advances, properties along the Diversion Road corridor are poised to benefit from this landmark investment in sustainable mobility.
