The City Government is eyeing the purchase of 20-25 hectares of property for the development of another urban center within the emerging growth areas of the metropolis that will establish a “New Iloilo” in the next 15-20 years.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, in a press release from the Iloilo City Public Information Office, said the City Hall will invest in landbanking of adjacent site to the circumferential, radial or coastal road which are sprouting developments.

He noted that rising communities situated in villages of Lanit, Buntatala and Bito-on all in Jaro district could also spread development.

“There will be economic activities which will provide more opportunities in terms of businesses, investments, jobs and residential progress,” Mabilog said.

The mayor shared the plan was inspired by Malaysia’s Putrajaya which transformed in a span of 30-year period a palm plantation site into a new capital.  

Mabilog said the expansion will accommodate government offices, private offices and corporations that will develop the area attuned to a framework to be crafted by the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO).

He envisioned the sprawling development as an alternative considering the saturation of central business district (CBD) along Diversion Road and old airport in Mandurriao district. (JVF/Iloilo City PIO)