The Iloilo Sunset Boulevard was opened to the public as an alternative road in January 2024. The thoroughfare also serves as an additional tourist attraction in Iloilo City. 

However, in the succeeding months, the mushrooming of houses and other structures near the railings of the footwalk turns apparent. 

These structures are deemed unsightly, according to Ed Ledesma who frequents the area to jog. 

“Kung based sa tourism na ang taga-ibang lugar ang pupunta dito, makikita nila na ma-ano ang area, ma-consider siyang eyesore,” Ledesma said. 

In a tagging and census of the Iloilo City Local Housing Office (ICLHO) in February 2025, the area has at least 139 informal settlers and illegal structures. 

At least 16 additional structures were found out on September 9, 2025. The ICLHO expressed worry over the said rise in number.  

“Iwasan nating dumami na naman sila. Kasi syempre, dadami ang concerns. Sanitation, ang kanilang toilet saan mapupunta? Holistic yung sa atin dito,” said Atty. Peter Millare, head of ICLHO. 

However, according to a few informal settlers, they have dwelled in the area for decades now. They pointed out they have the permission of landowners to live in the area.  

“Maawa naman kayo sa amin. Hindi kami basta-basta makakaalis. Dito na kami talaga. Hinarap namin ang hirap ng buhay noong wala pang kalsada dito,” Mira Capalihan, an informal settler, said. 

Another informal settler, Sanny Palma, said they resided in the area since 1974.

“May pahintulot ng may-ari? Opo. Alam nila. Pumunta dito ang may-ari. Mula pa noon, 1974, nandito na kami,” Palma said. 

Louie Jamela, councilman of Barangay Navais in the District of Mandurriao, pointed out they have reminded constantly the informal settlers to put up temporary structures only for their livelihood, not permanent dwelling.

“Sa kanila na yan. Nagnenegosyo sila. Naaawa tayo… (dapat) may source of income sila. Ipapatawag natin sila upang malaman nila na hindi pwedeng magtayo ng (permanent) structure dyan,” Jamela said. 

Further, ICLHO said they will initiate a dialogue with the 22 owners of private lots on whether they have indeed given permission to the informal settlers to erect permanent structures. 

The ICLHO will also coordinate with the Iloilo City Planning Office on the situation. 

“Included sila sa citywide na ni-register na pinagplanuhan when sila unti-unting ma-relocate. We have a policy na kapag new structure, kapag new structure ka, pwede ka namang ma-remove without relocation,” Millare added.