Marcos Assesses Subpar Flood Infrastructure in Iloilo, Calls for Improvement

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directs the Department of Public Works and Highways to hold underperforming contractors accountable and blacklist them

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, August 13, inspected delayed and poorly implemented flood control projects in Iloilo City, two days after showing a list of companies and flagging alleged irregularities in the country’s flood control program.

Marcos visited two flood mitigation projects in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district, on the sidelines of the inauguration of an P885-million rehabilitated fish port complex in the city.

“During my visit to Iloilo, we saw delayed and flickering flood control projects that further exacerbate flooding,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

(In my visit to Iloilo, we saw delayed and substandard flood control projects that are further worsening the flooding.)

The inspected projects – Sections 9 and 10 – are funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act and implemented by Iloilo City-based F. Gurrea Construction Incorporated, each with a contract value of P144 million. Construction began in February 2024.

A status report showed both projects had exceeded their contract deadlines.

Section 9 is 90% complete but expired in July, while Section 10, at 77% completion, expired on June 16. Work on Section 10 was suspended on June 2 due to the presence of informal settlers.Marcos was accompanied by Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan. He directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to hold underperforming contractors accountable and blacklist them.

Earlier this week, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas raised concerns over flood control projects implemented by St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation, both owned by the Discaya family of Pasig City.

Treñas alleged the projects were “non-functional, have caused flooding, or are, in some cases, practically non-existent.”

The DPWH-Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) rejected the claims, saying the four contested projects were “existing and on schedule.”

St. Timothy’s work involves three sections of flood mitigation structures in Barangay Bo. Obrero, Lapuz district, with a total contract value of P403 million and deadlines between August and November.

The reported completion rates are:

• Section 1: 98.83%
• Section 2, Lapuz: 95.82%
• Section 1, Iloilo City: 51.47%

Alpha & Omega is implementing the P145-Million Iloilo Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Project-Section 2 in Barangay Tacas, Jaro, which began in June. It is 35% complete and due for completion in March

Successive tropical storms in July flooded nearly 100 barangays, mostly in Jaro and Lapuz, affecting 56,881 residents and prompting a state of calamity declaration.

“Flooding has brought severe and repeated suffering to our communities, especially during heavy rains and typhoons,” Treñas said. “If there are delays, deficiencies, or any misuse of public funds, the people of Iloilo City have the absolute right to know, and those responsible must be held to account without fear or favor.”

Treñas said the DPWH failed to coordinate with the city government before starting projects.

“Before the project begins, proper coordination with our local government is essential, and all necessary permits should be obtained,” she said.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto supported Treñas, saying, “If we want a better future for our people, let’s take responsibility for the people behind it. Let’s cut off this cycle.”

(If we want a better future for our country, we must hold accountable the people behind this. Let us break this cycle once and for all.)

The Discaya-owned firms have drawn scrutiny over their large share of flood control contracts.

Sotto said St. Timothy and Alpha & Omega were awarded about 20% of the P545-billion flood control budget under Marcos.

Senator Bam Aquino also called for transparency, saying flood control funds must benefit communities and not serve as a “cash cow” for corrupt officials.

On July 29, Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 28 urging an inquiry into the use of P360 billion allocated for flood control projects in the 2025 budget. – Rappler.com

How can the community be more involved and empowered to participate in flood mitigation efforts?

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Marcos Assesses Subpar Flood Infrastructure in Iloilo, Calls for Betterment

President Marcos’s Iloilo Visit: A Focus on Flood Mitigation

President Ferdinand marcos Jr. recently visited Iloilo City to personally assess the state of the region’s flood infrastructure. His visit highlighted the critical need for notable improvements to protect residents from the recurring devastation caused by floods. The assessment came in the wake of recent severe weather events that exposed the vulnerabilities of existing flood control systems.

Key Areas of Assessment

The President’s inspection focused on several critical areas, including:

• Drainage Systems: Evaluating the capacity and maintenance of existing drainage canals and pumping stations. The assessment revealed a need for upgrades and improvements in drainage capacity.
• river Systems: Reviewing the condition of dikes, levees, and river channels, addressing issues of siltation, erosion, and maintenance. Further studies have found this as a major source of flooding.
• Flood Control Projects: Examining the progress and effectiveness of ongoing flood control initiatives, and identifying bottlenecks or delays in implementation.

infrastructure Deficiencies Unveiled

The assessment revealed several critical deficiencies in Iloilo’s flood infrastructure. These issues contribute directly to the city’s vulnerability, particularly during the typhoon season. These deficiencies include:

• Inadequate Drainage Capacity: Existing drainage systems are often overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding in low-lying areas.This inadequate drainage capacity contributes to flash floods.
• Poor Maintenance: The lack of regular maintenance, including debris removal and repair of damaged infrastructure, further reduces system efficiency. This is leading to the inability to handle heavy rainfall.
• Aging Infrastructure: Some components of the flood control system are outdated and nearing the end of their lifespan, requiring immediate upgrades. Many of these infrastructures weren’t designed to handle the quantity of rainfall.
• lack of Coordination: difficulties coordinating various flood mitigation projects and the lack of an integrated approach have been identified as another major issue.

President Marcos’s Call for Action: Immediate and Long-Term Solutions

Following his assessment, President Marcos emphasized the urgent need for both immediate and long-term solutions to address the flood crisis in Iloilo. he outlined specific measures to be taken and allocated resources for the following:

Immediate Actions

1. Emergency Funding: Providing immediate financial assistance for infrastructure repairs,maintenance,and emergency response efforts.
2. Enhanced Debris Removal: Initiating a massive cleanup operation to clear drainage systems and canals of debris, improving water flow.
3. Strategic Planning: Rapid mapping of flood-prone areas and the formulation of immediate action plans to protect the residents.

Long-Term Strategies

1. Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in the construction of new drainage systems, the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, and the implementation of flood control projects based on studies on flood mitigation.
2. Modernization and Technology: Utilizing advanced technologies such as flood warning systems and improved monitoring to aid in the response.
3. Community Involvement: Advocating for community participation in flood mitigation efforts, including education and awareness campaigns, as well as establishing a culture of preparedness.

Impact and Expected Outcomes

The implementation of these measures is expected to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flooding events in Iloilo City. The benefits for the region will include:

• Reduced Flood Damage: Minimizing the impact of floods on homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
• Enhanced Public Safety: Protecting the lives and well-being of residents.
• Economic Benefits: Driving Economic advancement through preventing the damage that leads to recovery costs.
• Improved Quality of Life: By creating a more resilient and livable environment.

Additional Insights and Considerations

The assessment of Iloilo’s flood infrastructure underscores the importance of proactive flood mitigation strategies,especially in areas prone to impacts by extreme whether