Following the transfer of the Iloilo Airport to Santa Barbara, developments in its vicinity and towns along the road leading to the airport have been on the upswing. Accordingly, the first installment of this month’s 3-part development update will be focused on the Iloilo City-Santa Barbara road and some recent construction activities along this highway.

iloilo update

On going renovation at SM City Iloilo. The interiors are almost done, what’s left is the facelift of its exteriors, and half of its cinemas (1-4).

iloilo update

The Iloilo City-New Iloilo Airport road widening project by PGMA has also started. There’s curently some landfilling activities at the El98-Diversion Road but I’m not sure if it’s the road widening project already since there are still some structures along the road that have not been cleared up.

iloilo update

From Diversion road to Ungka, Jaro the road is already four lanes except for the bridges that remain to be 2 lanes only. Once you get to Ungka Terminal/Christ the King up until the boundary of Pavia, the road reverts back to a 2 lane road.

iloilo update

From Pavia to Santa Barbara, the road is already 4 lanes.

iloilo update

The new Biscocho house branch is Pavia is now open. It is becoming a landmark of sorts because of its eye catching design.

iloilo update

iloilo update

iloilo update

Pavia Rest Area and Information Center along the highway

iloilo update

iloilo update

Gas stations have popped up in Santa Barbara, among the new ones are Total and Flying V. Liz Complex has also opened in Bangga Dama (an intersection of the highway and access road leading to Santa Barbara town proper). The complex features commercial/office spaces and a swimming pool.

iloilo update

iloilo update

The airport access road is still well maintained, though, it still needs more lighting for the convenience of motorists during nighttime.

iloilo update

Along the airport access road is a new pension house named “Pecan’s Pension House and Cafe.”

iloilo update

Paseo de Santa Barbara, a new residential estate near the airport, is also shaping up.

Watch out for the second installment of the December 2008 update. It will be covering updates in Jaro, the Brgy. Buhang section of the Iloilo Flood Control Project, and the new St. Paul University Campus in Brgy. Ticud, La Paz.