INFRASTRUCTURE is the backbone of progress. In a rapidly developing country like ours, large-scale projects such as bridges and flyovers promise to reshape not just the landscape but the lives of people who rely on faster, safer, and more efficient transportation. However, when these projects are poorly executed, the consequences are far-reaching, and the public trust in government initiatives is shaken.
The defective Ungka flyover in Pavia, Iloilo is a reminder of the dangers of inadequate planning and engineering. Initially heralded as a solution to traffic congestion in the area, the flyover has now become infamous for its structural issues. Poor geotechnical analysis led to the vertical displacement of the structure, rendering it unsafe and unusable. Meant to be a symbol of progress, it has instead become a symbol of wasted public funds and engineering failure.
As we look ahead to larger and more complex infrastructure projects, such as the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges, the Ungka flyover offers valuable lessons. The Panay-Guimaras bridge is a flagship project with an estimated cost of P187.54 billion, designed to transform regional connectivity and boost economic development. Its success will depend on rigorous planning, high engineering standards, and, most importantly, thorough oversight.
The Ungka flyover emphasizes the need for better geotechnical assessments, something that the Department of Public Works and Highways appears to be addressing for the Panay-Guimaras bridge. Its insistence on the importance of a detailed geotechnical study for this project shows a critical shift in approach. The ongoing study, conducted by experienced firms from South Korea, is expected to provide crucial data that will ensure the bridge is built on solid, stable foundations. This kind of meticulous attention to detail was sorely lacking in the Ungka flyover project and should now serve as a standard for all future government infrastructure initiatives.
Beyond geotechnical studies, the Ungka flyover mess also reveals the need for stronger project oversight. Large-scale projects often involve multiple agencies, consultants, and contractors, and coordination can become a challenge. The government must implement stricter monitoring protocols at every stage of construction — from initial planning to post-completion evaluations. Independent engineering audits, more transparent reporting, and clearer lines of accountability can help prevent another costly failure like the Ungka flyover.
Moreover, the long delays and inefficiencies in addressing the Ungka flyover’s issues have compounded the frustration felt by the public. Another lesson – the need for more responsive and transparent crisis management. Once problems with infrastructure are identified, there should be a swift, efficient plan of action to rectify the situation. Public officials must be proactive in addressing concerns rather than reactive, only stepping in when the damage has been done.
The Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge project cannot afford to follow the same flawed path as the Ungka flyover. Its scale and significance demand nothing less than the highest engineering standards and commitment to quality. Learning from past mistakes, like the defective Ungka flyover, will avoid costly errors and rebuild public trust in the government’s ability to deliver projects.
Progress built on shaky foundations is no progress at all.
