DPWH-6 chief refutes claims of snubbing Pavia Council

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

DPWH-Region 6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel has countered allegations from a Pavia legislator that he disregarded requests for updates on two disputed flyovers in the town.

In a telephone interview with Daily Guardian, Oropel clarified that while his office received notices from the Sangguniang Bayan of Pavia, Iloilo, no specific schedule was outlined.

“We’re willing to attend their sessions if invited. We received a notice of their interest, but without a definite schedule,” Oropel stated.

His remarks come after Pavia town councilor Jose Ma. Trimañez accused the DPWH during a Daily Guardian on Air broadcast last Friday of ignoring their summons.

Responding to Oropel’s clarification, Trimañez assured via Messenger that he would inform Vice Mayor Edsel Gerochi to set a date for DPWH’s briefing in a forthcoming session.

Oropel proceeded to provide updates on the Ungka and Aganan Flyovers. He reported that the Ungka Flyover’s rectification is progressing, with Phase 1’s jet grouting at 27 percent completion and Phase 2, involving structural enhancements, set to commence soon.

Phase 1, underway since January, is contracted to Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc. from Davao City for ₱95.95 million.

The bidding process for Phase 2, addressing the flyover’s “sinking” issues at Piers 4, 5, and 6, is currently underway.

For the Aganan Flyover, Oropel mentioned that a request for third-party consultation funds had been made to the DPWH central office to investigate alleged design faults, echoing procedures taken with its counterpart structure.

Seismic testing conducted by DPWH-6 uncovered some design flaws in plans provided by UTCP, the design contractor for both flyovers, assigned by the DPWH central office’s Bureau of Design.