ILOILO City – Mayor Raisa Treñas is seeking a halt to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) controversial bike lane project along Buntatala Creek following the death of a 13-year-old boy during severe flooding in Jaro district.
The tragedy, which happened on Sunday, July 20, and echoed earlier flooding on July 12, has sparked outrage from residents and local leaders, who blame the encroaching construction for obstructing the natural flow of the creek and aggravating flood conditions in at least five barangays.
“We’re studying a cease and desist order to stop this. How many more deaths do we need before we act?” said Treñas in an interview on Tuesday, criticizing the project’s placement within the waterway.
The fatal incident occurred in Barangay Tagbak, near the bike lane construction site. Initial findings revealed the boy, a resident of the village’s Zone 3, may have hit a metal rod while swimming in the creek, sustaining a fatal head injury. His body was recovered only yesterday, July 22.
Treñas stressed the project was carried out without regard for the creek’s capacity, saying it violated environmental standards.
“We should just follow the proper standards kay nature ni bala tanan — so ang nature mangita gid flow so kon gub-on ta ang flow sang nature amo ni gatabo — gakabahaan,” she warned.
“Bal-an naton nga creek, butangan sina? We should be accountable for our actions, we should follow the laws and I believe no one should be above the law,” she added.
The mayor said the city’s Drainage Task Force, which includes DPWH and City Hall representatives, is reviewing the legality and environmental compliance of the project.
She also flagged the need for intensified cleanup and dredging operations in other parts of the city.
Barangay Leaders Demand Urgent Action
The bike lane project has also drawn sharp criticism from affected barangays. Punong Barangays Allan Jastia (Balantang), Starlene Hosenilla (Buntatala), Nestor Loma (Camalig), Remedios Bedia (Lanit), and Mary Jane Jecara (Tagbak) have sent a joint letter to Mayor Treñas urging the suspension of the project, restoration of the creek’s original profile, and immediate dredging operations.
Hosenilla, in a separate letter, called the project “a threat to safety, health, and the environment,” and warned it could “exacerbate flooding, obstruct water flow, and further endanger nearby households and properties.”
“During episodes of heavy rain, our area has already experienced significant flooding, which appears to be linked to the obstruction and incomplete state of the project,” she explained.
She also questioned the project’s apparent lack of community consultation and environmental safeguards.
She recommended a temporary suspension of the project, pending a thorough technical and environmental review in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and DPWH.
“We trust in your strong leadership and steadfast commitment to the welfare of Iloilo City’s residents. Your timely and decisive response would help prevent further damage and ensure the protection of lives and properties in our barangay,” Hosenilla wrote.
Balantang’s barangay captain, Allan Jastia, was more direct: “We demand to expedite and revive the creek and widen and deepen the excavation of the creek, and restore to its original state.”
Social Media Outcry
The tragedy has also ignited criticism online, with netizens slamming the DPWH and Iloilo City’s lone congressional office for allegedly failing to anticipate the impact of the project.
“Kay kon mayo lang ang pagplano nila, wala sing bata nga malumos da. Naglala ang baha tungod sina,” one user posted.
“Pila mapatay sa mga creek nga himuon bike lanes? Sobra nga mga tawo. Wala kamo konsensya?” another wrote.
Treñas has pledged full support to the bereaved family, including financial, psychological, and if needed, legal assistance.
“We will be with them every step of the way,” she said.
As pressure mounts, the city government is expected to act swiftly to address the concerns surrounding the project and prevent further tragedies./PN
