ILOILO City — In a bid to expedite vital infrastructure projects here, Mayor Jerry Treñas has ordered the cessation of seven significant projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), citing extensive delays and committing the city’s leadership in ensuring their prompt completion.
The Iloilo City Council, acting on Treñas’ endorsement, unanimously passed a resolution revoking the authority of the DPWH – Iloilo City District Engineering Office over at least seven infrastructure projects:
These were the Mandurriao public market; the Dulonan, Arevalo multipurpose building; the Dungon C. Mandurriao multi-purpose building; the Tanza Esperanza multipurpose building; the Santa Filomena, Arevalo multipurpose building; the Balantang, Jaro multi-purpose building; and the Katilingban, Molo multipurpose building.
These projects, as outlined in the endorsement, have remained unfinished and significantly behind schedule, with no indication of completion in sight, Treñas said, underscoring the urgency of finishing these projects to promptly serve the residents of Iloilo City.
“I have canceled all approval of the city on all DPWH projects on government land – Mandurriao market, all multi-purpose buildings, and the like. All these projects are terribly delayed,” stated Mayor Treñas. He reassured the public that the city is prepared to find the necessary funds to ensure these projects are completed. “The city will look for the funds to complete the projects,” he affirmed.
Initially funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the national government, these projects have been plagued by persistent delays, causing increasing frustration among the city’s leadership.
Treñas expressed dissatisfaction with the DPWH for the prolonged use of city land without acknowledging the delays or expressing gratitude for the city’s support.
Additionally, despite the city’s donation of land in Sooc, Arevalo for a new DPWH office, the construction remained incomplete.
In conjunction with the resolution to revoke project authority, councilor Jose Miguel Treñas proposed a resolution declaring. Roy Pacanan, the head of the DPWH – Iloilo City District Engineering Office, a persona non grata. Councilor Urminico Baronda, Jr. abstained from voting, suggesting that. Pacanan should be allowed to explain the delays.