DPWH says flood control projects in Iloilo City exist, ongoing
Contrary to false claims, all flood control projects funded by the national government and awarded through competitive bidding to two (2) of the country’s top 15 construction firms in terms of flood control projects are existing and currently under construction, according to records from the DPWH Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO).
Records from the ICDEO show that St. Timothy Construction Corporation, ranked third among the top 15, secured three flood control projects:
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Lapuz, Iloilo City, Section 1
Project Cost: P141,855,006.72
Status: Ongoing, with 98.83% accomplishment
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Lapuz, Iloilo City, Section 2
Project Cost: P141,799,122.88
Status: Ongoing, with 95.82% accomplishment
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure – Waterways Rehabilitation and Coastal Protection, Section1, Iloilo City
Project Cost: P119,418,737.94 Status: Suspended, with 51.47% accomplishment due to obstruction by existing power barge.
BARANGAY CONFIRMATION
Bo. Obrero, Lapuz Punong Barangay James Conlu confirmed in an interview with DYSI Super Radyo Iloilo that these projects exist, describing them as the realization of long-held dreams of residents.
“Yes, that is correct. These are existing projects. We have three sections of flood control projects. I am wondering why these have become ghost projects because they are there on site. They were stopped because of permit issues but they have resumed. We are thankful because these are almost finished and we have felt the impacts,” Conlu said.
He further recalled: “I was still a barangay kagawad when we dreamed of having this. We are thankful for this project. DPWH has been inspecting the projects at least once every month. We have felt the impact already.”
Meanwhile, Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation, ranked second among the top 15, was awarded one project:
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structures – Iloilo City, Iloilo Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Project – Section 2
Project Cost: P144,703,111.61
Status: Ongoing, 35% accomplished as of July 31, 2025.
Progress slowed due to insufficient sheet pile deliveries and adverse weather conditions.
PRESIDENTIAL INSPECTION
President Bongbong Marcos Jr. personally inspected flood mitigation projects in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, awarded to F. Gurrea Construction, Inc., an Iloilo-based contractor:
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Iloilo City, Section 9
Project Cost: P144,380,194.17
Accomplishment: 89.62% (as of August 13, 2025)
* Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure in Iloilo City, Section 10
Project Cost: P144,703,111.61 Accomplishment: 76.52% (as of August 13, 2025)
MAYOR’S STATEMENT
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas in an interview with GMA News said that nearly ₱4 billion worth of flood control projects in the city were either poorly constructed, unfinished, or missing: “Yung iba hindi namin makita kasi sometimes sa projects naka-specify lang, naka-general lang, slope protection for Iloilo, walang specific address. Kaya hindi din kami makabigay ng specific kung ano ba, details kung ano na, kumusta na yung project. Kaya ghost talaga kasi hinahanap natin. Hindi natin mahanap, nagtatago, or maybe, with the help of DPWH, they can locate these and they can explain to us kung saan ba at makita na natin yung ghost. Baka buhay pala,” Treñas said.
DPWH RESPONSE
In a press statement dated August 12, 2025, Engr. Roy Pacanan, OIC District Engineer of ICDEO, rebuked Mayor Treñas: “All of the foregoing projects were procured through open and competitive bidding, with the project allocations (programmed amounts) in accordance with the 2024 and 2025 General Appropriations Act. The quantities for each project were determined based on the values reflected in the Construction Materials Price Database, ensuring accurate cost estimate.”
He also criticized the Iloilo City Government for several local projects that remain unfinished despite substantial funding. “Least we forget of the following projects of the Iloilo City Government which remained unaccomplished despite billions of public funds sourced from loans,” Pacanan said, enumerating the following:
* Construction of Class “AA” Iloilo City Slaughterhouse, Brgy. Tacas, Jaro Design and Build Scheme for the Construction of Iloilo City Hospital, including site development at Brgy. San Pedro, Molo
* Rehabilitation of Public Markets, including Jaro Big Market at Brgy. Desamparados, Jaro
Records show that the city government secured ₱180 million in bank loans for the slaughterhouse project, and ₱2 billion in loans for the three public markets, the Iloilo City Hospital, and a parking building – all of which remain unfinished.
“Finally, as government officials, we have a duty to be vigilant with the information we share. We must ensure that every statement is accurate, truthful, and responsible – because in our positions, even a single piece of misinformation can mislead the public and erode trust,” Pacanan stressed.
