‘OVER’-CUT: Diversion overpass upgrade cost cut to P2.9-M

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

The cost of the pedestrian overpass improvement along the Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road) has been cut by more than PHP1.2 million, after the Iloilo City government revised its original plan, removing what they called “extravagant” and “unimportant” features.

City Engineers Office (CEO) acting head Engr. Dianaline Señoron said the revised PHP 2.9-million project cost resulted in PHP 1.24 million savings from the PHP 4.11-million original contract price.

Señoron explained that several items were removed or simplified after a project review.

These include the use of epoxy paint instead of tiles, the removal of plumbing works that were already existing, LED lights, and some painting works, as the structure was already recommended for repainting. The stainless gutter and downspout were retained.

Critics have previously pointed out the cost of the project as “overpriced”.

“Yes [it is a substantial amount]. The city government has saved from this extravagant project. Our very purpose is to just cover the overpass,” Señoron emphasized.

She noted that the original cost increased due to the inclusion of items that were “unimportant,” already existing, or could be retained, adding that the project features could be simplified without compromising safety.

Señoron said the variation order was approved by the Commission on Audit before the original contract ended on December 8.

Despite the removal of several components, she maintained that the overpass remains structurally safe.

“Our structural design is the same, the integrity of the structure has not been affected. We are after simple works so people can be covered during rain and will not slip,” she said.

Delays of more than two weeks from the project’s intended completion date were due to unfavorable weather conditions since August.

Señoron said the contractor committed to complete the project by January 6, 2026.

She added that liquidated damages will be imposed if the project is not completed beyond the new deadline.

The project’s contract was awarded to Stone Built Construction Services, with a 120-day contract duration or roughly four months.

The notice to proceed was issued on August 11, 2025.

Funding for the project was approved by the City Council in August 2024, during the administration of former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.