The almost P70 million river esplanade project of the city is expected to be completed by May 25, just in time before the three-day International River Summit May 30-June 1, 2012.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that the 1.2-kilometer long esplanade project along Treñas Boulevard will be one of the attractions for the summit, which will be graced by President Benigno S.C. Aquino III, businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and other international leaders including Fred Eisenberger, former mayor of Toronto, Canada and the current president of the Canadian Urban Institute.

Mabilog also added that aside from the esplanade, other road repairs and construction projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways will be completed in time for the summit's opening.

For the about 1,000 expected international and local delegations, Mabilog said that traffic congestion and security will not be a problem.

The mayor also said that widening project along Jaro-Leganes road will not hamper the major route for the venue, which will be in Eon Centennial Convention Center in Alta Tierra Village, Jaro.

"NO HIDING'

Meanwhile, noting a number of informal settlers along Iloilo River, Mabilog said that no walls or any cover up will be established in the area.

"Delegates must see the real face of the city, so that when they return here for a second summit, they will see the results of our action," he said.

SUMMIT

The 1st international river summit aims to stimulate discussion, learning and action on river basin governance, biodiversity management and eco-tourism, climate change and disaster risk reduction, water quality and water resources management.

One of the highlights is the interventions done for the improvement of the Iloilo River.

Among the participants are river and biodiversity experts, local governments, non-government organizations, private sector and the academe.

The summit will also showcase the works from foreign scientists from the Canadian Urban Institute, the University of Queensland in Australia, the Patuxent Wildlife Center in Maryland, and local government executives and river basin managers from countries like Korean, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

SAFETY

Delegates will be assured of a peaceful and secured venue for the forthcoming summit.

This was disclosed by Felix Tiu, the summit's budget and finance committee chairman during the press conference as he gave updates for the preparations of the summit.

Tiu said that in meetings with the Philippine National Police Regional Command, Iloilo City Police, Maritime Command, the Aviation and the Coast Guard, around 300 to 400 policemen will be deployed strategically starting May30 to June 1 to provide security and order for the event.

"We are working hand in hand to ensure safety and security for all our guests and visitors," Tiu said.

City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Noel Hechanova who is also the Summit Director said that more than 1,000 invitation letters were sent out to concerned persons and "500 have already responded and more will be expected within the week or next week for reservations".*with reports from PIA