ILOILO City – The city government has launched a citywide engineering investigation into the flooding that submerged 35 barangays during the recent onslaught of the southwest monsoon (habagat) enhanced by Typhoon Inday, with authorities seeking to determine whether inadequate drainage systems, clogged waterways, or flawed infrastructure triggered the widespread inundation.
The assessment, being conducted by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) through its Facility Conservation Office (FCO), is expected to guide the city’s long-term flood control strategy by identifying the specific engineering deficiencies in every affected area instead of relying solely on post-flood emergency measures.
City Engineer Mavi Gustilo said investigators are examining each flooded barangay to determine the exact cause of the inundation.
“If we find that the drainage system is already silted or congested, we immediately conduct declogging operations,” Gustilo said.
The city has also identified flood-prone communities that still lack drainage systems, requiring future infrastructure investments.
“For areas without drainage systems, those will require infrastructure projects. We also have to determine whether the existing drainage lines are properly connected to the city’s main drainage network and if they have adequate outfalls where floodwaters can be discharged,” Gustilo said.
Determining the root causes of flooding in each barangay will allow the city government to prioritize permanent flood mitigation projects and improve the effectiveness of future infrastructure spending.
The assessment follows widespread flooding caused by continuous monsoon rains over the weekend.
Based on the latest report of the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 35 barangays were affected, including Tanza Timawa II in the City Proper district; Nabitasan, Lopez Jaena Sur, Divinagracia and Jereos in La Paz district; South San Jose, Taal, East Baluarte and West Habog-Habog in Molo district; PHHC Block 17 and Calahunan in Mandurriao district; Camalig, Calubihan, Lanit, Democracia and San Pedro in Jaro district; and Mohon, Sto. Domingo, Sooc and Sta. Cruz in Arevalo district.
Gustilo assured residents that the City Engineer’s Office will continue inspecting drainage facilities throughout the city while carrying out immediate declogging operations where needed and preparing long-term engineering solutions for flood-prone communities.
“Our goal is not only to address the flooding now but also to determine the engineering interventions needed to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future,” she said./PN
