ILOILO City – A major infrastructure bottleneck that had burdened residents, motorists, students and businesses in Molo district for nearly two years finally came to an end.
the East Timawa Road and drainage project was officially opened to the public on June 19 — one month ahead of its July target completion date.
The P19.78-million project, which includes a newly upgraded drainage system and road rehabilitation works, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce flooding in the East and West Timawa areas, long considered among the city’s flood-prone communities.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon led the inspection and opening of the project on June 19, highlighting the completion of a long-delayed undertaking that had affected thousands of residents.
“As promised kay Mayor at sa mga taga-Timawa, tapos na tayo… two years na delay na project natapos in just two months, one month ahead of the target July completion… Nagtrabaho talaga tayo dito 24/7,” said Dizon.
The project covers a crucial 477-meter stretch linking West Avenue and East Timawa and serves key institutions such as the University of the Philippines Visayas Main Campus, Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital, Iloilo Doctors’ College, and Taal Elementary School.
Aside from restoring road connectivity, the project also aims to strengthen flood mitigation efforts in the area.
According to DPWH Region 6, the project involved the installation of a 15-linear-meter transverse, 1.2-meter-diameter double-barrel High-Density Polyethylene pipe serving as a new stormwater outfall, the construction of 462 linear meters of Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts, and the restoration of 477 linear meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement.
The upgraded drainage system is expected to increase stormwater-handling capacity by 532 percent, expanding from 419.66 cubic meters to 2,232.26 cubic meters.
Dizon credited Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas for bringing attention to the long-delayed project.
“We want to thank Mayor Raisa for pointing this out. In fact I did not know about this until Mayor pointed this out. Sabi ni Mayor two years na to. ‘Yung mga residents natin dito kawawa, ‘yung school kawawa and ‘yung students. People don’t deserve that.
The project encountered several challenges during construction, including obstructions from existing Metro Pacific Iloilo Water lines, traffic congestion, and the process of securing road closure permits. DPWH said these issues were addressed through coordination with concerned agencies and the local government.
With the road now open, authorities are moving to prevent congestion from returning.
“To maintain efficient traffic management and ensure safety,” Dizon said, a strict no-parking policy will be enforced along East Timawa Road.
“Nasanay na ‘yung mga taong mag pa-park eh, …once we open today, bawal na mag park dito,” Dizon stressed.
Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office head Uldarico Garbanzos said additional traffic measures will be implemented, including the installation of standard road signages and the identification of common parking areas.
“Another challenge, dapat mabutangan ni siya ka standard traffic signages ang lugar. I-request man naton ini sa DPWH. Ini siya national road…” said Garbanzos.
The ICTTMO is also coordinating with barangay officials and nearby schools to establish designated parking and passenger drop-off areas while strictly enforcing the no-parking policy on national roads.
Mayor Treñas welcomed the project’s completion, describing it as proof that closer coordination between local and national government agencies can accelerate the delivery of public infrastructure.
“On behalf of the Ilonggos, nagapasalamat kita kay DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon kay nagtupa ang ila ginpromesa. Last April 15 nagkadto diri si Sec. Vince, kag nagbalik siya liwat para ma-inspect ang proyekto,” said Treñas./PN
