Few names in Philippine politics are as closely tied to the transformation of a city as Senator Franklin M. Drilon’s is to Iloilo. From a declining provincial hub to one of the country’s most livable and progressive cities, Iloilo’s renaissance over the last two decades owes much to Drilon’s vision, political will, and tireless pursuit of infrastructure development.
Through transparency, strong partnerships, and strategic use of government resources, Drilon championed projects that reshaped Iloilo’s identity—restoring pride to the Ilonggos and positioning the city as an emerging economic powerhouse.
The Iloilo River Esplanade: A Living Legacy
Perhaps the project closest to Drilon’s heart, the Iloilo River Esplanade stands as the country’s longest linear park and a model for urban development nationwide.
Once a polluted waterway, the Iloilo River was rehabilitated under Drilon’s leadership. Illegal structures, fish pens, and even encroaching establishments were cleared, while more than 1,000 informal settler families were relocated to safer housing. The river was dredged, restored to its legal boundaries, and given new life through landscaping, greenery, and eco-friendly urban design.
With the Esplanade’s completion, Ilonggos rediscovered their connection to the river. The park has since become a symbol of sustainable development, community pride, and a favorite venue for recreation, exercise, and cultural events.
Sunset Boulevard: A New Gateway by the Sea
Complementing the Esplanade is the 7-kilometer Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, a scenic highway running from Mandurriao to Oton. Equipped with bike lanes and an extended esplanade, the project provides not only traffic relief but also a lifestyle corridor by the sea.
This development has unlocked new areas for commerce, tourism, and leisure while enhancing Iloilo’s reputation as one of the country’s most livable cities.
Iloilo Convention Center (ICON): Putting Iloilo on the Global Map
Located at the heart of Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) was envisioned as a world-class venue for conventions, exhibitions, and cultural events.
The project became possible through a public-private partnership: Megaworld donated 1.7 hectares of land, Drilon allocated ₱750 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), and government agencies like TIEZA ensured its development.
Since its inauguration in 2015, ICON has hosted international gatherings, including APEC meetings, and continues to attract trade fairs, concerts, and corporate events. It cemented Iloilo’s role as a hub for business tourism in the Visayas.
Roads and Connectivity: Building the Arteries of Growth
Drilon understood that without roads, progress could not flow. His tenure saw the expansion and modernization of Iloilo’s transport network:
- Diversion Road (Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue): Transformed into a 10-lane, 14-kilometer highway connecting the city to the airport.
- Circumferential Road (President Corazon Aquino Avenue): A 15-kilometer road that eased congestion and opened new areas for development.
- Flyovers and Bridges: Multiple flyovers were built to improve traffic flow in strategic locations.
These infrastructure investments unlocked Iloilo Business Park and other growth centers, enabling real estate, commerce, and tourism to flourish.
Iloilo International Airport: Opening Iloilo to the World
A key pillar of Iloilo’s modernization, the Iloilo International Airport was spearheaded by Drilon in 1998 through a Japanese ODA loan. Completed in 2005, it became the first international-standard airport in Western Visayas, boosting tourism and investment opportunities.
Today, the airport remains one of the busiest in the country, serving millions of passengers annually and strengthening Iloilo’s position as a regional gateway.
Museum of Philippine Economic History: Preserving Iloilo’s Heritage
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| PHOTO BY EDGAR H. SISCAR |
Drilon also recognized the value of culture in economic progress. In 2019, he championed the creation of the Museum of Philippine Economic History at the restored Elizalde Building in Calle Real.
As the first of its kind in the country, the museum highlights Iloilo’s role as a former trade and economic hub, showcasing artifacts and documents that tell the story of Philippine economic growth.
This project is part of Drilon’s broader efforts to restore heritage sites such as the Aduana (now the Museum of Philippine Maritime History), plazas, and heritage churches—ensuring that Iloilo’s progress remains anchored in its rich history.
Other Transformative Projects
Beyond the city proper, Drilon was instrumental in pushing through the ₱19-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II, the first large-scale water reservoir outside Luzon. The project, which includes three dams and an 86-kilometer canal system, is designed to irrigate 32,000 hectares of farmland, triple rice production, supply potable water, and generate hydroelectric power.
He also initiated the redevelopment of the Iloilo Fish Port Complex, the construction of a modern fastcraft terminal in Lapuz, and the conversion of the old provincial jail into the Western Visayas Regional Museum.
A Model of Visionary Leadership
In his speeches, Drilon often emphasized that his projects had no personal beneficiaries, only collective gain for Iloilo and the Ilonggos. Through political will, partnerships with the private sector, and a focus on transparency, he transformed Iloilo into a city that is both livable and competitive.
Today, Iloilo boasts booming IT-BPO centers, thriving tourism, world-class infrastructure, and a renewed sense of civic pride.
"The story of Iloilo is not just the story of the Ilonggos,” Drilon once said. “It is the story of Filipinos—proof that if it can be done in Iloilo, it can be done anywhere in the country"
Senator Franklin M. Drilon’s legacy is etched in the streets, parks, and skylines of Iloilo. From the Esplanade’s leisurely sunsets to the bustling ICON, from restored heritage sites to modern highways and airports, his projects collectively rebirthed Iloilo into a bustling metropolis
For Ilonggos, Drilon’s contributions are more than infrastructure—they are the foundations of a future city where heritage and progress meet, and where dreams, once imagined, have become reality.