Iloilo governor pushes Aganan flyover, bigger projects

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. on Monday, Oct. 6, said the provincial government will continue following up on the long-delayed Aganan Flyover project in Pavia while also pursuing larger regional infrastructure initiatives.

“We will follow up. All the while, we have been following and monitoring the projects even before the letter we sent to the secretary,” Defensor said in an interview.

In a letter dated Sept. 29 addressed to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon, the governor requested a comprehensive status report and a clear action plan, citing concerns over the project’s prolonged suspension.

“We are expecting a positive response since we have maintained a good working relationship with the secretary. But we will continue a series of follow-ups because the Aganan Flyover is not our only concern,” he added.

The governor highlighted that the province is also aggressively pursuing major infrastructure projects, including the Panay–Guimaras–Negros Bridge and the Iloilo–Capiz–Aklan Expressway (ICAEX), as well as the Jalaur Multipurpose Project.

“We want to engage the department on our bridges and our government centers. These projects gain traction when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presides over the Regional Development Council, and the Government Center is included in his executive order,” he said.

Defensor emphasized that these efforts are aligned with strengthening the province’s fundamentals, including water, electricity, road connectivity, and internet services.

“When we say ‘business-friendly,’ it means being strong—matibay ikaw—in infrastructure and facilities, and in the four fundamental areas,” he remarked.

Defensor added that the flyover project is under the jurisdiction of the national government, so the province cannot guarantee a solution.

The Aganan Flyover, first started in July 2020 with a 24-month completion target, has faced repeated delays.

Previous reports indicate that the original contractor, United Technology Consolidated Partnership, made errors in foundation depth assessment, prompting DPWH to return the design for central office review.

Funding for design revisions and rectifications is estimated at PHP 275–300 million, bringing the total projected cost to over PHP 1 billion.

DPWH Region VI officials have said that once funds are appropriated in the 2026 National Expenditure Program, critical works such as jet grouting and foundation strengthening can resume, with potential full completion by late 2026 or early 2027.

Defensor assured that the provincial government will continue coordinating with national agencies to ensure progress on the flyover and other major infrastructure projects aligned with presidential directives.

DPWH is the national government agency responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and flood-control systems, and large projects often require multiyear appropriations and technical redesigns when subsurface conditions differ from initial investigations.