ILOILO City — Department of Public Works and Highways – Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO) chief Engr. Roy Pacanan has defended four major flood control undertakings in the city funded under the 2024 and 2025 General Appropriations Act, stressing that the works are “existing, progressing, and on schedule,” with completion rates ranging between 35% and 98%.
The projects, with a combined allocation of P1.2 billion, include:
* Improvement of the Jaro Floodway and Related Drainage Systems – 98% complete
* Rehabilitation of the Dungon Creek Flood Control Structure – 90% complete
* Expansion of the La Paz Drainage Network – 60% complete
* Upgrading of the Calajunan–Molo River Flood Protection Works – 35% complete
“These are not ghost projects. They are all on the ground, progressing according to their schedules, and will greatly improve the city’s flood mitigation capacity once completed,” Pacanan said.
He also said these projects were procured through open, competitive bidding and costed using the Construction Materials Price Database.
Pacanan cited improvements including replacing makeshift seawalls to mitigate erosion.
He also pointed to the Iloilo Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Project–Section 2 in Barangay Tacas, Jaro district as having already helped during recent typhoons.
The Iloilo City Council will proceed with its investigation into several waterway and flood control projects of the DPWH-ICDEO despite reports that Pacanan has been removed from his post.
Councilor Rommel Duron confirmed that Mayor Raisa Treñas had informed the council of Pacanan’s relief on Aug. 12, a day before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the city. But he stressed that without a formal Special Order (SO) from the DPWH Central Office, the move cannot yet be considered final.
“Our role is to pass laws and resolutions for the protection and welfare of the people of Iloilo City,” Duron said, noting that the inquiry is part of the council’s oversight function.
City officials earlier questioned several ICDEO projects’ impact on flooding.
The controversy was compounded by Pacanan’s absence from a previous council hearing, which some councilors described as a missed opportunity to clarify issues directly.
Duron assured that the investigation would continue regardless of changes in DPWH-ICDEO leadership. “We need to get to the bottom of this to ensure public funds are used efficiently and projects deliver their intended benefits,” he said.
Addressing his reported relief from his position, Pacanan described it as “unverified information” leaked by a “political demolition team.”
“Contrary to news reports that I am relieved of my current position, there is no Special Order or written directive to that effect. I am a public servant who abides by legal orders from truthful sources, and I shall await action from our Central Office. As of now, I will continue to discharge my functions and do my responsibilities to serve the Ilonggo people,” said Pacanan./PN