ILOILO City – The city government is intensifying its campaign against perennial flooding with a P250 million allocation for drainage and disaster mitigation projects in 2026, signaling a major shift toward science-based urban planning and flood-resilient housing.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the funding boost underscores the city’s commitment to long-term resilience rather than temporary fixes.
“We are investing in sustainable, long-term solutions that safeguard our communities and make Iloilo City more resilient to the effects of climate change,” Treñas emphasized.
Of the total budget, P181 million will come from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Fund, P41.2 million from the General Fund, P13 million from the PAGCOR Trust Fund, and P19 million from the 2025 Supplemental Budget to be implemented next year.
Coordination Woes and Engineering Gaps
Treñas pointed out that some flood control structures by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) have worsened flooding in certain communities because of poor coordination.
“Coordination should begin at the planning stage, not only when the project is already being implemented or when the LGU’s intervention is suddenly needed,” she stressed.
Flood-prone areas include Mohon in Arevalo, Buntatala Creek, and Mansaya in Lapuz, where incomplete or poorly aligned drainage channels caused overflows that even reached parts of neighboring Oton, Treñas pointed out.
Science-Based Planning Underway
The city government is conducting a technical assessment of its drainage systems and flood-prone zones, in partnership with experts from the University of the Philippines, whose findings will guide updates to the city’s 2017 Drainage Master Plan, said Treñas.
The revision is essential to account for rapid urban growth and shifting rainfall patterns caused by climate change, she explained.
Housing Integration: A Social Dimension
Alongside infrastructure, Iloilo City is expanding its Pasilong Program, a flood-resilient housing project led by the Local Housing Office in partnership with PAG-IBIG Fund and Henber Realty Development Corporation. The initiative relocates families living in waterways and high-risk zones into affordable, safer communities
“Flood mitigation and housing must go hand in hand,” Treñas said. “Relocating families from danger zones not only gives them safety and dignity but also helps restore our drainage capacity.”
She added that the city’s overall approach balances engineering discipline with social responsibility.
“We are guided by science, proper planning, and compassion for our people. Our goal is a stronger, safer, and more resilient Iloilo City for all Ilonggos,” the mayor said./PN
