‘AT LAST?’: Ungka Flyover Reopens Amid Debris Debacle

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The controversial Ungka Flyover is set to reopen today, Dec. 23, slightly ahead of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) target date but under scrutiny due to reports of falling debris in recent weeks.

Iloilo City Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO) chief Uldarico Garbanzos initially confirmed the reopening to Bombo Radyo Iloilo on Friday, Dec. 20. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas later affirmed this through a statement on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Both officials cited communication from DPWH-Western Visayas regional director Sanny Boy Oropel regarding the reopening.

Garbanzos noted that a short program, including a ceremonial blessing of the flyover, would precede the reopening, although specific details were not disclosed.

Treñas emphasized that while the flyover will be accessible to motorists, ongoing installation of steel railings on the parapet will continue.

“While the flyover will be accessible starting tomorrow, the DPWH will continue the installation of steel railings on the parapet. I appeal to motorists and pedestrians to remain cautious and follow all traffic guidelines for everyone’s safety,” the mayor said in his statement.

Concerns Over Falling Debris

The reopening comes amid public concerns over safety, particularly falling debris that has reportedly struck motorists and vehicles using the service road below.

Although Oropel assured in late November that measures had been implemented to address safety concerns, incidents were still reported in early December.

DPWH-Western Visayas construction division chief Ormel Santos told a joint committee hearing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo on Dec. 17 that jet grouting activities will continue until January 2025.

Flyover’s History

The Ungka Flyover, constructed at a cost of PHP 680 million, connects Barangay Ungka in Iloilo City and neighboring Pavia, Iloilo.

It was partially opened to the public on June 30, 2022, followed by a full opening in September of the same year.

However, the flyover was closed just days after its full opening due to public complaints of structural issues, including reports of sinking and flooding on its surface during heavy rains.

A third-party investigation conducted by a Pasig City-based engineering consultancy firm, commissioned by the DPWH, confirmed in May 2023 that three piers of the structure were sinking.

Rectification works began in January 2024, with Phase 1 completed by Davao City-based Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc. for PHP 95.95 million, and Phase 2 handled by the flyover’s original contractor, Pavia-based International Builders Corporation, for PHP 192.25 million.