Iloilo City secures P1B fund for flood mitigation project

By John Noel E. Herrera

With the recurring problem of flooding in the city due to creeks’ drainage systems, typhoons, and even rising tides because of climate change, the Iloilo City Government is seeking funds for its flood mitigation project.

As the city continues to seek more funding, lone district Rep. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda said that she was able to secure a P1 billion fund for Iloilo City’s flood mitigation project.

“Ang aton gina-damgo nga pag-papondo sang 2017 pa nga Comprehensive Drainage Plan sa Iloilo, amat-amat na naton ma-reyalisar as hopefully no, I was able to secure closely P1 billion para sa rehabilitation, para sa flood mitigation sang mga creeks naton,” Baronda said.

“Hopefully within six years matapos ina naton fund ang over P6 billion nga comprehensive drainage project, but this year, papaano, may-ara na kita almost P1.4 billion,” she added.

Baronda also said that the P1-billion fund, which will be coursed through the General Appropriation Act (GAA) was a commitment from senators, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Based on a 2017 feasibility study, the Iloilo City Comprehensive Drainage Plan, where the Jaro Floodway, Tigum River, Batiano River, Dungon Creek, and Seawall will be given focus to mitigate flooding, needed P6.2 billion fund, but the project has only been given around P500-million budget so far.

Baronda also worked with DPWH for the funding of the drainage system for the Uswag Condominium and People’s Residence housing program of the city government.

“Kinahanglan nga i-preparar naton ang mga area, hindi pwede nga puro lang build, build, build nga wala gina-preparahan ang drainage, kay hindi kita luyag nga pila kaadlaw, mangin baha ang isa ka komunidad,” she said.

To recall, the lady solon, together with the National Housing Authority (NHA), and Iloilo City Government held a groundbreaking ceremony for the P300-M housing project dubbed Iloilo City People’s Residence, on Oct 15, 2022, that will cater to the informal settler families (ISF) affected by the city government’s infrastructure projects.