The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Iloilo City government are set to enforce stricter regulations and restoration measures to prevent flooding in Jaro.
The move followed an investigation by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 into flooding that affected several barangays earlier this year.
DENR Regional Executive Director Raul Lorilla said reclamation and backfilling linked to a bike lane access road project in Barangay Tagbak significantly contributed to the flooding.
The probe found that construction narrowed the natural alignment of Buntatala Creek, obstructing water flow and causing overflow into nearby communities.
To mitigate future flooding, the DENR proposed slope protection, stricter compliance with environmental rules, and closer coordination between the DENR and the DPWH on projects affecting waterways.
