City Hall denies overpricing in Diversion Road overpass

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Engineers’ Office said the PHP 4.1 million budget for improving the pedestrian overpass along Diversion Road in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, was computed using prevailing market prices and detailed estimates.

“We believe that this is not overpriced because we have an estimate of the exact quantity, although there are allowances that are also allowable. In the prices, we have a price list that we use,” project-in-charge Engr. Jonberlie Ladua said on Tuesday.

The project, formally titled “Improvement of Overpass,” will enhance the structure with what Ladua described as a “unique” design.

“There is probably nothing similar to this because every plan is different. I don’t think you will find another overpass like this since others have different designs,” he added.

The scope of works covers temporary facilities and electrical systems, including use of a generator for steel works such as welding and cutting, as well as signage, security, and a project site enclosure that will later be turned over to the General Services Office.

It also includes the Construction Safety and Health Program, scaffolding and safety precautions, roof and roof framing with painting works, steel works such as G.I. pipe columns, and steel framing for LED lights.

The facility will also undergo tile works using outdoor anti-slip decorative tiles for the floor and stairs, repainting of existing steel railings, and plumbing and sanitary lines.

The electrical works involve surface-mounted downlights and LED strip lights suitable for outdoor and all-weather use.

According to the project perspective, the overpass will feature a curved roof, outdoor decorative tiles, and LED lighting with changing colors at night.

According to a report from Aksyon Radyo Iloilo, PHP 280,600 is allotted for temporary facilities, electrical system, signage, security, and the project site enclosure.

The budget also includes:

-PHP 195,200 is allotted for the Construction Safety and Health Program.

-PHP 461,763.90 is allotted for scaffolding and safety precaution.

-PHP 1,418,170.70 is allotted for the roof and roof framing with painting works.

-PHP 659,044 is allotted for steel works.

-PHP 412,689.40 is allotted for tile works.

-PHP 137,506.20 is allotted for repainting of existing steel railings.

-PHP 100,723.20 is allotted for plumbing and sanitary lines.

-PHP 450,000 is allotted for electrical works, including LED lights.

The project, awarded to Stone Built Construction Services, has a contract duration of 120 days, with a notice to proceed issued on Aug. 11, 2025, and a target completion date of Dec. 8, 2025.

Ladua said the project is not delayed even though funding was approved by the City Council in August 2024 because actual construction started only in late September this year.

“There is no delay because it is in the prerogative of the contractor when they will start […] What is important is they can complete the project as per contract duration,” he said.