ILOILO CITY PUTS UP PHP 13M FOR LONG-TERM FLOOD SOLUTIONS: PHP 6M Jaro River survey, PHP 7M drainage master plan to guide flood mitigation, river rehabilitation

ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo City government is stepping up efforts to address recurring flooding, allocating more than PHP 13 million for a comprehensive approach that combines scientific studies, river boundary delineation and long-term drainage planning.

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas said the city government has allocated PHP 6,028,860 to fully fund the long-delayed Cadastral Line Delineation Survey of the Jaro River, while approximately PHP 7 million has been earmarked for the preparation of an updated Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan.

The two initiatives form part of the city’s broader flood mitigation strategy, aimed at identifying the underlying causes of flooding, protecting waterways, improving drainage infrastructure and providing long-term solutions for affected communities.

Treñas said the Jaro River survey had been pending for several years due to funding constraints. The city government had previously committed PHP 3 million, with the remaining amount expected to come from the national government.

However, upon assuming office, the mayor instructed concerned officials to find a way to finance the entire survey rather than wait for additional funding from the national government.

“This project has been pending for several years because of funding concerns. When I assumed office, I instructed our team to find a way to fund the entire survey rather than wait any longer,” Treñas said.

She made the statement following a meeting with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI Regional Executive Director Atty. Ramar Niel V. Pascua, during which she requested that the agency fast-track the project.

The survey will cover the entire stretch of the Jaro River, from the boundary of Pavia to its mouth at the Iloilo Strait.

It is expected to establish the river’s exact boundaries, identify areas with encroachments or illegal occupation, and determine the legal easements that must be protected.

Treñas noted that siltation and structures built along the river have contributed to flooding by narrowing certain portions of the waterway and affecting the flow of water.

Under the agreement, the DENR will handle the procurement of technical survey services and provide the city government with the corresponding survey maps and technical report.

The two parties initially signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on May 25. However, following the appointment of a new officer-in-charge regional executive director and subsequent revisions to the agreement, another signing is necessary.

SCIENCE-BASED FLOOD PLANNING

The Jaro River survey follows the completion of a hydrologic study commissioned by the city government and conducted by experts and scientists.

The study examined Iloilo City’s topography, water flow patterns and possible factors contributing to flooding. Its findings will serve as a scientific basis for developing the updated Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan.

During her second State of the City Address (SOCA) in 2026, Treñas disclosed the city’s allocation of approximately PHP 7 million for the preparation of the master plan, which will provide a long-term framework for improving the drainage system and addressing flooding across the city.

The plan is now being studied and prepared in coordination with partners, consultants and technical experts, with more detailed interventions being developed for the city’s drainage network.

Once completed, it is expected to guide future infrastructure investments, drainage improvements and other flood mitigation projects based on scientific data and the actual conditions of the city’s waterways.

Treñas emphasized that accurate information is essential in determining the appropriate interventions, particularly in river rehabilitation and addressing the relocation requirements of families who may be affected by the protection and clearing of waterways.

“We need accurate data so we can properly plan our flood mitigation measures, river rehabilitation and relocation requirements for affected families,” the mayor said.

She also acknowledged that it is uncommon for a local government unit to shoulder the cost of a survey that will be undertaken by a national government agency.

“But if this will help us address flooding and protect our communities, why not?” she added.

IMMEDIATE MEASURES CONTINUE

While pursuing long-term solutions, the city government continues to implement immediate and medium-term interventions to improve drainage and reduce flooding.

Among these is the ongoing drainage declogging operation, conducted by the city’s Infrastructure and Facility Conservation Office, which has covered more than 18 kilometers of drainage systems across the city.

The city government is also continuing its coordination with other national government agencies to fast-track projects that will improve waterway management, strengthen flood mitigation and protect communities.

Treñas said the combination of the completed hydrologic study, the Jaro River survey and the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan will provide the necessary information for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to the city’s flooding concerns.

With these initiatives, the city government is working to move beyond immediate drainage maintenance toward long-term interventions that address the condition of waterways, the capacity of drainage systems and the needs of communities vulnerable to flooding. (Press release)