Iloilo SP presses DPWH for details on Alimodian project

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Iloilo is seeking complete project records from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office amid allegations that the road slope protection structure in Barangay Manasa, Alimodian is among the supposed “insertions” in the proposed 2025 national budget.

Infrastructure Committee Chair Board Member Rolando Distura said the request aims to address questions raised by board members regarding the project’s approval and funding.

“A motion was prepared requesting the 4th Engineering District to provide documents to satisfy the requests of our board members, and I concur with that as chair,” Distura said in an interview following the committee hearing on Dec. 9.

During the hearing, the DPWH–4th DEO assured provincial officials that the PHP 96-million slope protection project is legitimate, ongoing, and not a ghost project.

Engr. Mario Soriano said the project is funded under the General Appropriations Act through the Social Support Program and implemented by M.S. Ramos Construction Inc.

The structure spans 100 meters, covers 3,866 square meters, and stands 30 to 40 meters high.

It is currently 82.61% complete, with construction running from June 3, 2024, to March 18, 2025.

Soriano said the project design came from the DPWH Central Office and clarified that then-2nd District Rep. Mike Gorriceta merely issued the required clearance but did not identify or recommend the project.

He added that the Manasa site was among the proposals the district forwarded to the Central Office for potential approval.

Alimodian Municipal Engineer Leoreysalde Salanatin confirmed that the project follows approved plans, though the local government unit was not consulted during the conceptualization stage.

He said the municipality was engaged only during implementation but still welcomed the approval of the project.

Distura said he was satisfied with the technical explanation presented by the district engineer, citing earlier studies that established the need for the project.

“I saw that they had previous studies and assessed the importance of the project because the existing bridge is at risk if slope protection is not installed,” he said, noting that loose soil could slide down, block the road, and potentially damage the bridge.

However, while the project is funded through the GAA, the SP still does not know who facilitated its inclusion.

“Who interceded, we don’t know. All we know is the project is implemented,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for coordination among all levels of government to ensure transparency and accountability.

He pointed out that once completed, infrastructure projects are turned over to local government units and entered into their books of accounts, making LGUs responsible for maintenance under the Local Government Code.

The SP approved a resolution seeking the contract, program of works, plans and specifications, payment records, updated status reports, and site inspection documents.

Meanwhile, several invited resource persons did not attend the hearing.

Those absent included the regional director of the Commission on Audit (COA), the barangay captain and the barangay infrastructure committee chair, Alimodian Mayor Kenneth Alfeche, the Sangguniang Bayan committee chair on infrastructure, and a representative of M.S. Ramos Construction from Manila.

Despite the absences, Distura said the committee still gathered substantial information regarding the project.

The panel will later determine whether to proceed with a site inspection.