Study to put up LRT from Iloilo to Kalibo

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The city government of Iloilo is looking into the possibility of a light railway transport (LRT) system linking Iloilo to the province of Aklan.

Last July 7, Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog sought the assistance of Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) for funds for the conduct of project feasibility study.

The city mayor is hoping to secure favorable approval from DoTC Assistant Secretary Ildefonso Patdu, Jr., head of Project Implementation for Railroads and Railways for the technical funds.

Systra Philippines is recommended to undertake detailed feasibility study of the railway project that will serve train commuters of Iloilo all the way to Kalibo, Aklan. 

The project will likely address the transport demand and improve accessibility by linking Iloilo City to the municipalities of Capiz and Aklan.

Mabilog said, “LRT project aims to connect Iloilo City to Kalibo, Aklan and to boost commerce, trade and tourism for Iloilo and Aklan provinces and the entire Panay Island.”

The railway system is among the major infrastructure projects being pushed to boost the island’s economy, the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Western Visayas stated three years ago.