Treñas Questions DPWH Over Flooding Despite Drainage Projects

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has raised concerns about persistent flooding in the city despite the completion of large-scale drainage projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Treñas questioned why major roads continue to flood even after the installation of massive drainage systems, including box culverts that occupy nearly half of the road in some areas.

“I cannot understand. I’m not blaming anyone,” he said.

“When I was a congressman, there was not much flooding like the one now. Now that the drainage is big, the flooding is massive,” he added.

The mayor cited Rizal Street in La Paz as one of the affected areas where flooding persists despite the construction of a large drainage system along nearby Huervana Street.

He said water used to flow freely into Rizal Creek, but recent infrastructure changes appear to have disrupted this natural outflow.

Treñas also observed that many drainage covers are broken or missing, allowing garbage to clog the system.

In other areas, he noted that inlets have been covered by asphalt overlays, preventing proper water drainage.

Beyond the possible design flaws, Treñas identified garbage-clogged canals as a major contributor to flooding.

“When we opened the drainage, it was full of garbage,” he said.

“We really need the help of the barangays. If our drainage is clean, then it is easy for us to vacuum it,” he added.

The mayor urged barangays and residents to join declogging efforts and practice proper waste segregation to prevent plastic waste from blocking waterways.

“If there is flooding, it’s not us that is affected but you in the community,” Treñas said.

“We are asking for the support of barangay officials and residents to segregate the plastics,” he added.

He emphasized that the city government will avoid finger-pointing and instead focus on solving the issue quickly.

Treñas announced that intensified drainage cleanups will begin this week with the start of the rainy season.

The City Engineer’s Office also plans to dredge Rizal Creek, which drains stormwater from several barangays including Huervana, Lopez Jaena Sur, Railway and McArthur.

A recent inspection revealed heavy silt buildup in the creek, reducing its capacity to channel water into the Iloilo River.