ICDEO seeks regular talks with Iloilo City Hall

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) has proposed biweekly or monthly coordination meetings with the city government amid allegations that it implemented projects without LGU consultation.

ICDEO officer-in-charge Roy Pacanan made the proposal in a letter dated Aug. 28, ahead of a scheduled coordination meeting on Sept. 3, 2025.

Pacanan’s agenda includes updates on ongoing projects, discussions on multipurpose buildings, traffic management support during road works, and LGU permit facilitation to avoid delays.

He assured City Hall that in the absence of city traffic personnel, contractors would deploy flagmen to reduce disruptions in affected areas.

Pacanan added that while fiscal year 2026 projects remain tentative pending the National Expenditure Program’s approval, ICDEO will coordinate once plans become available.

He also said ICDEO continues to respond to requests from barangays, schools, and the city, but emphasized the need to assess urgency to ensure efficient use of resources.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu responded by stating that all ICDEO projects must undergo community consultations before city approval and that flood control plans should be based on scientific data.

She also raised concerns over unfinished multipurpose gyms and covered courts that were demolished but have remained incomplete for over five years.

The city government has long criticized ICDEO for poor coordination and lack of consultation, particularly on flood control and infrastructure projects.

Treñas-Chu previously blamed uncoordinated ICDEO flood-control works for worsening floods and damaging properties in several barangays.

SNUB HURTS

The continued absence of ICDEO in the City Council’s investigation on flood projects will result in incomplete findings and “half-baked” solutions, a councilor warned.

Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia, lead proponent of the quad committee hearing, said the inquiry seeks to craft legislation that will improve the city’s flood control systems.

However, the absence of Pacanan or any ICDEO representative threatens to derail the probe and weaken possible policy outcomes.

“Admittedly, we will not have a complete solution to our flood crisis,” Sarabia said.

“If Pacanan continues to fail, you are depriving the Ilonggo people of the rightful solution—the proper service that the Ilonggo deserves,” he added.

Pacanan cited his persona non grata status as a key reason for not attending the hearing.

He also said the Department of Public Works and Highways central office has not issued a directive requiring his attendance and argued that the City Council lacks legal authority to compel him.

Sarabia emphasized that without ICDEO data, the city cannot develop a “clear picture” or a “perfect solution” to its flooding problems.

He earlier filed a measure seeking the creation of a drainage and flood control council to institutionalize inter-agency coordination.

Sarabia said the ordinance aligns with the quad committee’s goals and could mandate national agencies to coordinate with local governments before implementing projects.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also ordered national agencies, especially the DPWH, to seek LGU approval before rolling out infrastructure and other publicly funded projects.

The directive aims to improve coordination, confirm project relevance, and enhance accountability by ensuring local governments are actively consulted.