ILOILO City – Contrary to the Iloilo City Government’s claims, all flood control projects funded by the national government and awarded through competitive bidding to two of the country’s top 15 construction firms in terms of flood control projects are existing and currently under construction, records from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) show.
St. Timothy Construction Corporation, ranked third among the top 15, secured three flood control projects:
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Lapuz, Iloilo City, Section 1
• Project Cost: ₱141,855,006.72
• Status: Ongoing, with 98.83% accomplishment
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Lapuz, Iloilo City, Section 2
• Project Cost: ₱141,799,122.88
• Status: Ongoing, with 95.82% accomplishment
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure – Waterways Rehabilitation and Coastal Protection, Section 1, Iloilo City
• Project Cost: ₱119,418,737.94
• Status: Suspended at 51.47% completion due to obstruction by an existing power barge.
BARANGAY CONFIRMATION
Bo. Obrero, Lapuz’s Punong Barangay James Conlu confirmed in an interview with DYSI Super Radyo Iloilo that these projects are on site, describing them as the realization of long-held community aspirations.
“Yes, that is correct. These are existing projects. We have three sections of flood control projects. They were stopped because of permit issues but have resumed. We are thankful because these are almost finished and we have felt the impacts,” Conlu said.
He added, “I was still a barangay kagawad when we dreamed of having this. We are thankful for this project. DPWH has been inspecting the projects at least once every month. We have felt the impact already.”
Meanwhile, Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation, ranked second among the top 15, was awarded one project: construction of Flood Mitigation Structures in Iloilo City (Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Project – Section 2).
The P144,703,111.61 worth of project is ongoing at 35% completion as of July 31, 2025. Progress slowed due to insufficient sheet pile deliveries and adverse weather conditions, according to the ICDEO.
PRESIDENTIAL INSPECTION
On Aug. 13, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected flood mitigation projects in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district, awarded to F. Gurrea Construction, Inc., an Iloilo-based contractor:
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Iloilo City, Section 9
• Project Cost: ₱144,380,194.17
• Accomplishment: 89.62% (as of August 13, 2025)
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Iloilo City, Section 10
• Project Cost: ₱144,703,111.61
• Accomplishment: 76.52% (as of August 13, 2025)
MAYOR’S STATEMENT
In an earlier interview with GMA News, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas expressed concern that some flood control projects in the city, worth nearly ₱4 billion in total, were either poorly constructed, unfinished, or difficult to locate.
“‘Yung iba hindi namin makita kasi sometimes sa projects naka-specify lang, naka-general lang, slope protection for Iloilo, walang specific address. Kaya hindi din kami makabigay ng specific kung ano ba, details kung ano na, kumusta na yung project. Kaya ghost talaga kasi hinahanap natin. Hindi natin mahanap, nagtatago, or maybe, with the help of DPWH, they can locate these and they can explain to us kung saan ba at makita na natin yung ghost. Baka buhay pala,” Treñas said.
DPWH RESPONSE
In a press statement dated Aug. 12, 2025, Engr. Roy Pacanan, OIC District Engineer of ICDEO, rebuked Mayor Treñas: “All of the foregoing projects were procured through open and competitive bidding, with the project allocations (programmed amounts) in accordance with the 2024 and 2025 General Appropriations Act. The quantities for each project were determined based on the values reflected in the Construction Materials Price Database, ensuring accurate cost estimate.”
He also criticized the Iloilo City Government for several local projects that remain unfinished despite substantial funding.
“Least we forget of the following projects of the Iloilo City Government which remained
unaccomplished despite billions of public funds sourced from loans,” Pacanan said, enumerating the following:
* Construction of Class “AA” Iloilo City Slaughterhouse in Barangay Tacas, Jaro;
* Design and Build Scheme for the Construction of Iloilo City Hospital, including site development at Barangay San Pedro, Molo; and
* Rehabilitation of public markets, including Jaro Big Market at Barangay Desamparados, Jaro.
Records show that the city government secured P180 million in bank loans for the slaughterhouse project, and P2 billion in loans for the three public markets, the Iloilo City Hospital, and a parking building – all of which remain unfinished.
“Finally, as government officials, we have a duty to be vigilant with the information we share. We must ensure that every statement is accurate, truthful, and responsible – because in our positions, even a single piece of misinformation can mislead the public and erode trust,” Pacanan stressed./PN