Treññas funds P13-M flood mitigation projects

ILOILO CITY — The local government here is allocating more than P13 million for two key environmental and infrastructure projects to address urban flooding through long-term drainage planning and boundary mapping along the Jaro River.

The interventions include a Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan with an estimated P7-million budget and a P6,028,860 Cadastral Line Delineation Survey of the Jaro River, fully funded by the local government.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said the projects aim to generate technical data to guide flood control measures, river restoration, and the potential relocation of vulnerable families living along waterways.

The city has completed a hydrologic study conducted by environmental scientists and engineers to analyze Iloilo City’s topography, water flow patterns, and primary flood risks. The study’s findings will form the foundation for the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan.

Treñas met with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI executive director Ramar Niel V. Pascua to request the fast-tracking of the Jaro River survey.

The survey will map the river’s official boundaries, identify illegal structures, and establish statutory easements from the municipality of Pavia to the river’s outlet at the Iloilo Strait.

Treñas cited that severe siltation and unauthorized structures have constricted portions of the riverbed, exacerbating flood risks during heavy rains.

While the survey project was delayed for years due to national funding constraints, Treñas directed municipal officials to cover the total P6-million cost using local funds to avoid further operational delays.

Under the agreement, DENR Region VI will manage the procurement of survey services and provide the city with final maps and technical reports.

The city government is maintaining routine desilting operations alongside the long-term planning efforts, having cleared more than 18 kilometers of drainage channels across the city.