Iloilo City Mayor Flags Billions Lost to Delayed and Mismanaged Flood Control Projects

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has raised concerns over billions of pesos invested in flood control initiatives that remain incomplete, suspended, or untraceable. In a formal report submitted to the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) on September 18, the mayor disclosed that city inspectors failed to locate five out of 17 flood mitigation projects financed under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Treñas criticized the evident breakdown in project planning and communication between national agencies and the local government, citing significant risks this poses to vulnerable communities. "This situation is unacceptable. Addressing delayed or substandard contractor work is insufficient; accountability must also be demanded from those who approved and advocated for these projects without ensuring proper coordination with the city," she stated.

An inspection report by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office, dated July 31, identified projects worth approximately ₱1.83 billion, including:

• A ₱150-million Batiano River flood control and promenade project, suspended since March 2025;
• A ₱50-million Iloilo City Flood Mitigation Structure Section 1, halted since May 2025;
• A ₱130.4-million Calajunan Creek flood structure project, only 20.64% complete against a target of 76.92%;
• A ₱40-million coastal flood protection initiative, with merely 4% progress; and
• A ₱100-million Batiano River Section 2 project, suspended because of inaccessible locations.

The inspection involved collaboration between the Iloilo City Government, the Office of the Building Official, City Engineer’s Office, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, alongside media representatives. However, key agencies such as the Commission on Audit (COA), Iloilo City District Engineering Office, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 were notably absent.

Mayor Treñas underscored that the persistent lack of coordination has left local communities increasingly exposed to flooding hazards despite the significant budget allocations. "Billions are being allocated to these flood control projects, yet our constituents remain at risk with every rain. This is not mere inefficiency; it represents a breach of public trust," she emphasized.

Furthermore, Treñas condemned the failure to address illegal structures along waterways, noting that these issues could have been resolved if national agencies had coordinated more effectively with the city government, which has consistently provided relocation options for affected families.

Submitting the report, the mayor reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and accountable governance, aligning with M4GG’s directives. "This report embodies our continued dedication to uphold clear and responsible public service. Accountability must be comprehensive, encompassing contractors, implementing bodies, and officials who backed these projects," she concluded.