Mayor to Meet DPWH-6 Over Project Delays

By Gerome Dalipe IV

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas is set to meet with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 officials amid growing complaints over delays in seven unfinished infrastructure projects on city-owned land.

The projects—including multi-purpose buildings and market facilities—have drawn sharp criticism from village chiefs, residents, and social media users.

The affected projects include the Mandurriao Market; multi-purpose buildings in Barangay Concepcion, Tanza Esperanza, Katilingban, North Fundidor, and Balantang; and the Barangay San Isidro, Jaro multi-purpose building.

Treñas has formally requested a meeting with DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel on March 7, 2025, to review the status of these projects, discuss completion timelines, and clarify funding sources.

Joining the meeting will be the city administrator, the mayor’s chief of staff, the city engineer, the city architect, and members of the City Hall Press Corps to ensure transparency.

Treñas, a vocal critic of the DPWH-Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO), has expressed frustration over the agency’s lack of communication and slow progress.

“These delays have caused mounting concerns among residents of the affected barangays, who have been consistently following up with me. It is critical that these projects are completed to meet the needs of our communities,” Treñas said.

Initiated during Treñas’ previous term five years ago, the projects are located on city-owned lots.

Despite a letter sent by City Administrator Melchor Tan to Oropel on July 1, 2024, the city is still waiting for a clear timeline for project completion.

Treñas has accused DPWH-ICDEO head Engr. Roy Pacanan of mismanagement and missed deadlines, saying the delays have significantly disrupted businesses, residents, and commuters.

Pacanan, however, blamed procedural lapses by the city government.

He said DPWH-ICDEO had requested coordination meetings as early as Feb. 15, 2024, but the first meeting only took place on May 2.

Additionally, Ordinance No. 2024-195—necessary for road closures—was passed on Sept. 25 but was not transmitted to DPWH-ICDEO until Oct. 11.

Pacanan argued that these delays violated the Ease of Doing Business Act, potentially exposing the city government to administrative or criminal liabilities.

He dismissed Treñas’ accusations as baseless and vowed to defend the integrity of his office.

The March 7 meeting with DPWH Region 6 is expected to clarify the path forward and restore public confidence in Iloilo City’s infrastructure development efforts.