ILOILO City – The city government has ordered immediate corrective measures and guaranteed full compensation to affected vendors after debris-clogged drainage lines caused flooding and more than P311,000 in damages at the Iloilo Central Public Market, raising renewed concerns over drainage maintenance during heavy rains.
City officials said a joint inspection confirmed that debris blocking the market’s drainage system prevented rainwater from flowing into the main drainage lines, resulting in water buildup that damaged floor tiles and vendor goods inside the public market.
The inspection involved representatives from SM, the project contractor, the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO), and the City Engineer’s Office.
Authorities immediately cleared the debris to restore water flow.
As a preventive step, the city also ordered the installation of an additional water pump to hasten the discharge of rainwater into the main drainage system during heavy downpours.
Based on the assessment, eight vendors filed claims for damaged merchandise. Three vendors selling native products reported losses totaling P229,895, while five vendors from the rice and grains section lost 74 sacks of rice valued at P81,400, bringing total damages to P311,295.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the claims will be forwarded to the contractor for evaluation, stressing that vendors will not shoulder the losses.
“The contractors will advance the payment so vendors will no longer have to wait. A 100 percent refund will be given to those affected,” Treñas said.
She added that the city government will intensify monitoring and coordination with concerned offices to ensure the problem is fully addressed and does not recur.
“The welfare and protection of our vendors remain a top priority of the city,” the mayor said./PN
