CAPIZ – This province has secured a total of 23 flood control projects amounting to approximately P1.1 billion, implemented from 2022 to 2024, according to data from the Sumbong sa Pangulo website.
The list of projects, which is publicly accessible at https://sumbongsapangulo.ph, covers completed initiatives across the two congressional districts of the province.
Records show that the 1st Congressional District has seven projects worth P343 million while the 2nd Congressional District has 16 projects worth P819 million.
Most of these involve major flood control structures along the Panay River Basin, as well as drainage systems and mitigation facilities aimed at boosting the province’s resilience against flooding.
Among the biggest allocations are the P62.7-million Pontevedra River Control with Esplanade in Pontevedra, the P62.7-million Balatucan River Control in Panitan, and the P62.7-million Panitan River Control (Downstream) in the same town. The largest single project is the P88.2-million Tico River Control in Panay. In addition, several projects in Dumalag and Dumarao were funded, each ranging from P42 million to P53 million.
The smallest allocations went to flood control works in Roxas City’s barangays Dayao (P4.9 million) and Banica (P4.2 million).
Despite the scale of investment, some officials raised concerns over project execution.
Roxas City’s Councilor Midelo Ocampo, in a privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s September 2 session, criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for poor coordination with local government units (LGUs).
“Kon kaisa naga-implementar sila sang proyekto nga indi man kinahanglanon sang aton pumoluyo,” Ocampo said, pointing out that some projects do not match community needs.
In Panay town, Mayor Jonathan Besa also called on contractors to strictly follow project specifications, particularly for the Cogon–Jamul-awon Floodway Project and the ongoing flood control project in Barangay Tico.
“Ensure that the flood control project in Tico is done properly, because I will not allow substandard work under my watch,” Besa warned during a courtesy meeting with DPWH inspectors and contractors in August.
His statement comes amid allegations of corruption tied to some flood control funds.
Panay town alone received P88.2 million worth of completed projects within the three-year span.
Meanwhile, Roxas City’s Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, a member of the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), expressed support for a full investigation into alleged anomalies, stressing that “every peso of taxpayer money must be spent properly.”
Authorities are urging Capisnons to help monitor projects by using the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform to report irregularities such as damaged structures, missing equipment, or unfinished works.
By fostering transparency and citizen participation, officials hope to ensure that the billion-peso investment truly strengthens flood protection and safeguards communities across Capiz./PN
