PHP 4.1M overpass roofing upgrade begins in Iloilo

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Construction has begun on the PHP 4.1 million roofing improvement project for the pedestrian overpass along Diversion Road in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, nearly a year after the city government approved its funding.

The project, awarded to Stone Built Construction Services, has a contract duration of 120 days or roughly four months.

Although the contract officially started on Aug. 11, civil works—including the installation of scaffolding and safety nets—only began this week.

The scope of work includes scaffolding, roof framing, steel and tile installation, painting, and electrical works.

Stone Built Construction Services, based in Balantang, Jaro, is represented by its authorized managing officer, Chris Earvin Fusingan Subeldia.

According to records from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, the firm holds a Category D license valid from April 24, 2025, to April 24, 2026.

Its past projects include the construction of a fire substation in Ungka, Jaro; the concreting of a road in Barangay Taytay Zone II, Jaro; and a PHP 10 million rainwater harvesting facility in La Paz, Jaro, City Proper, and Arevalo.

Funding for the overpass roofing was included in Supplemental Budget No. 2 for 2024 and was sourced from savings and balances of the 20-percent Development Fund from Calendar Years 2022 and 2023.

The City Engineer’s Office previously defended the PHP 4.1 million cost, stating that it was not overpriced and was based on a price list approved by the Commission on Audit to ensure compliance with financial standards.

The overpass, originally built in 2015 for PHP 20 million, was equipped with two elevators intended to assist senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

However, both elevators have long been inoperative despite repeated repair and maintenance efforts.

Due to their prolonged disuse and deterioration, the city government allocated PHP 5.1 million last year for the replacement of the elevators.

As of writing, a sign indicating the elevators are still under maintenance remains posted inside the structure.