Iloilo City’s ongoing struggle with severe flooding has reached a critical point, with Mayor Jerry Treñas attributing the issue to the lack of interconnected drainage systems.
After the city experienced significant flooding last month, Treñas publicly called out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), holding them accountable for the planning and implementation of the city’s drainage projects.
“Billions have been allocated for drainage. We are not the ones handling drainage projects, it’s the DPWH,” Treñas said, venting growing public frustration with the city government’s perceived inaction.
He stressed that the DPWH, which controls the substantial budget for flood control and drainage infrastructure, must take responsibility for the recurring flooding problems. Despite the considerable funds directed toward these projects, the city remains submerged during heavy rains.
Treñas pointed out that while the DPWH oversees the planning and execution of infrastructure solutions, especially at the regional and provincial levels, the effectiveness of these measures relies heavily on their integration with local government drainage systems.
The mayor also disclosed that he requested a comprehensive flood control master plan from the DPWH to address these issues. However, as of now, the agency has not yet responded to this request.
In the past few months, Iloilo City has seen significant flooding in various barangays, impacting motorists and residents alike. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has identified 72 of the city’s 180 barangays as high-risk flood zones at the onset of the rainy season, based on the 2020 Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment.
These flood-prone areas are primarily located near major waterways, including Calahunan Creek, Dungro Creek, Jaro Floodway, and Jaro River.
According to the 2015 census by the Philippine Statistics Authority, approximately 240,360 residents live in these 72 flood-risk barangays, highlighting the urgent need for effective flood management solutions.
