ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Engineer’s Office (CEO) has uncovered overestimations in two infrastructure projects — the P798,000 waiting shed in Barangay Katilingban, Molo district, and the P4.1-million San Rafael Overpass Improvement Project in Mandurriao district — prompting a recalibration that cut a combined P1.4 million from their original costs.
City Engineer Engr. Dianaline Señoron said the move followed a directive from Mayor Raisa Treñas for a technical reevaluation to ensure transparency and cost integrity in all city-funded projects.
“We wanted to make sure that the project costs truly reflect what was constructed on the ground,” Señoron told Panay News. “When we conducted the reevaluation, we found areas where the original estimates could be reasonably reduced without compromising quality or safety.”
P215,000 deducted from Molo waiting shed
The CEO’s latest report showed that the Katilingban waiting shed’s cost has been adjusted to P583,653.37, a reduction of P211,872.10 from the original P798,525.47.
“We want to maintain full transparency, so the variation order was immediately submitted to COA for proper evaluation,” Señoron said, adding that no payment has been released pending the Commission on Audit’s review and final inspection.
The waiting shed was funded under Appropriation Ordinance No. 2022-007, which earmarked P2 million for waiting sheds citywide. Of these, only the Katilingban structure was completed; the rest of the funds were diverted to other infrastructure projects.
The project, which started in November 2024, was temporarily halted when the Molo District Health Center used the site as parking space. Work resumed in August 2025 and concluded by September 1.
According to Señoron, the reduction stemmed mainly from overestimated roofing, general requirements, and lighting components.
“There were overestimated quantities and cost items that, upon field verification, were not fully applicable,” she explained. “We corrected those to reflect the actual scope of work.”
San Rafael overpass trimmed by P1.2 million
The P4.1-million San Rafael Overpass Improvement Project along Diversion Road also underwent scrutiny, with its cost expected to drop to between P2.8 million and P2.9 million after field validation.
Señoron said the biggest deductions came from the removal of unnecessary plumbing and sanitary works worth P100,700 and adjustments in steelwork expenses.
“There were inclusions in the original plan that turned out to be unnecessary or excessive,” she said. “For example, the plumbing component wasn’t really essential for an overpass, so we recommended its removal.”
She emphasized that the purpose of the review was not merely to save money but to ensure technical soundness and accountability.
“This is not just about reducing costs for the sake of savings,” Señoron added. “It’s about aligning project designs with actual site requirements and ensuring every peso of taxpayers’ money is justified.”
Mayor Treñas earlier directed the CEO to conduct a full audit of the projects amid public criticism of their steep budgets. Señoron said her office will finalize its findings and submit the reports to the Commission on Audit and the mayor before year-end./PN
Cost breakdown of Katilingban waiting shed
Original cost is P798,525.47 and the reevaluated cost is P583,653.37.
* General requirements – P50,953.61 (Temporary facilities – P22,298.06; Safety, health personnel and accessories – P28,655.55)
* Project layout and clearing works – P8,032.50
* Foundation excavation works – P13,802.25
* Backfilling and compaction – P5,197.50
* Reinforced concrete works – P100,759.47
* Paver blocks – P42,469.65
* Steelworks – P300,861.80
* Roof and roof framing – P53,024.34
* Solar floodlight – P11,552.24
Cost breakdown of San Rafael overpass
The original breakdown of the P4.1-million budget was:
* Temporary facilities, electrical system, signages, security, project site enclosure – P280,600
* Construction safety and health program – P195,200
* Scaffolding and safety precaution – P461,763.90
* Roof and roof framing including painting works – P1,418,170.70
* Steelworks – P659,044
* Tile works – P412,689.40
* Repainting works (existing steel railings) – P137,506.20
* Plumbing and sanitary lines – P100,723.20
* Electrical works (LED lights) – P450,000/PN
