Despite ongoing extension of the river park project in Iloilo City, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has vowed to preserve the mangroves.

“We make infrastructures that are environmentally acceptable,” said DPWH Secretary Mark Villar during the August 26 opening of Esplanade 3, the P40-million extension of the river park.
Several mangroves found along the Iloilo River have withered away. It was found that natural flow of water has been constricted by land fillings.
Senator Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo who initiated the public-private partnership (PPP) to revive the Iloilo-Batiano River, reiterated that the park component is not destroying the environment.
Meanwhile, a P134-million bypass road also opened. DPWH-6 Assistant Regional Director Al Fruto said it runs from Diversion Road to Lapaz and will ease traffic congestion along Gen. Luna Street./WDJ