DPWH blames creek blockage, not Baronda project, for flood

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Public Works and Highways said the weekend flooding in five barangays in Jaro district was caused by “natural and man-made obstructions” in Buntatala Creek—not by ongoing infrastructure projects funded through Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda.

In its July 17 incident report, the DPWH–Iloilo City District Engineering Office clarified that the construction of the Iloilo City Access Road Section 1, which includes a bike lane and slope protection, was not responsible for the flooding.

The agency said heavy vegetation and accumulated garbage were found blocking the natural flow of water in downstream sections of the creek.

“These areas are outside the current project scope and remain unrehabilitated,” the report read.

ICDEO officer-in-charge Roy Pacanan said continued siltation and indiscriminate waste disposal have narrowed the creek’s effective flow channel, preventing proper stormwater discharge.

The obstruction has led to backwater flooding that affected homes near the lower creek channel.

Barangays affected included Camalig, Lanit, Tagbak, Balantang and Buntatala.

Pacanan said the flooded areas are downstream from the ongoing slope protection and bike lane project.

“The flooding emerged downstream, where slope protection and drainage improvements are not yet constructed,” he said.

He added that the project area has already shown improved flow capacity and has not experienced flooding.

The project aims to widen the creek’s channel from 1.5–2 meters to an average of 3 meters, reduce erosion and provide overflow protection.

“This confirms the need to extend similar interventions to the lower creek areas to ensure a continuous flood-resilient waterway,” Pacanan said.

DPWH has since mobilized personnel and equipment to remove vegetation and garbage downstream.

As part of its maintenance program, the agency will conduct quarterly desilting and cleaning operations along Buntatala Creek.

Aside from creek obstructions, the ICDEO is also investigating possible upstream water sources or underground springs, as runoff has persisted even without rainfall.

The agency’s findings counter earlier statements from Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, who blamed the Baronda-backed project for the flooding.

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In its report, the city’s drainage task force said parts of the creek, especially in Camalig, remain vulnerable due to incomplete infrastructure, constricted waterways and poor maintenance.

One major issue identified was the unfinished drainage system along the Iloilo R4 Road.

The task force warned that the incomplete system could lead to poor surface runoff, water ponding and potential road damage.

It recommended completing and extending the drainage up to its designated outfall to improve flood prevention.

Near Casamira Subdivision, three 1.2-meter reinforced concrete pipes were found inadequate to manage discharge, especially with a nearby concrete-lined irrigation canal recently completed.

The undersized pipes have caused flooding in upstream areas.

The task force recommended replacing them with a larger box culvert system capable of managing heavier water flow.

In the Green Garden area, the group noted that ongoing slope protection work is encroaching on the creek, narrowing the waterway and disrupting its natural flow.

It warned that this could trigger backflow and upstream flooding and urged a design review in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In San Jose Community Subdivision, the creek’s rear section was found clogged with vegetation and debris, further worsened by nearby homes built close to the creek.

The task force recommended clearing, dredging and regular maintenance of the creek to prevent erosion and flooding.

Downstream of Buntatala Bridge, a temporary crane-way was blamed for two days of inundation that brought water levels dangerously close to overtopping the embankment.

‘CHEAP POLITICAL POINTS’

Baronda responded sharply to what she called “politically motivated attempts” to discredit her infrastructure projects.

“The 2025 national and local elections may be over, but the obsession with discrediting nationally funded infrastructure projects facilitated by this representation for the benefit of the Ilonggos continues unabated,” she said.

She noted that longtime residents of Balantang have long considered the area a natural catch basin prone to flooding.

“Had these individuals simply verified the facts before pointing fingers, they would not have appeared uninformed at best—or rumormongers at worst,” she added.

Baronda said she remains in regular coordination with DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to push for more flood mitigation infrastructure for Iloilo City.

“We will continue to build. We will continue to serve. And we will not be distracted,” she said.