ILOILO CITY: Iloilo City is a recipient of drainage and road projects worth over PHP92 million, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo City District Engineering Office. The first project is the PHP49.4 million drainage system along JM Basa and Iznart Streets, with the rehabilitation of the Plazoleta Gay, provision of curb and cutter, and application of thermoplastic pavement markings as components.

According to Philippines News Agency, supervising project engineer Dave Belarga stated during a media conference that the ongoing work involves a two-sided drainage system, with the left side currently under construction. The project aims to manage water flow from Iznart Street to the box culvert at Guanco Street, ultimately discharging into the Iloilo River. As of now, the physical accomplishment stands at 15.71 percent, with nearly 104 meters of the 327-meter stretch laid, marking 30 percent completion. Efforts are being made to expedite the project to allow traffic access by th
e second week of December, pausing temporarily for the city’s festive season.

Another significant project involves the construction of Jalandoni Road, valued at PHP43.4 million. This road leads to notable city destinations such as Nelly Garden, Jaro Cathedral, and Esplanade. The project includes the development of a 654-meter two-lane concrete pavement from the junction of E. Lopez and Jalandoni Street to Bolilao, featuring a box culvert, drainage, and slope protection structures. DPWH engineer Aljun Cerbo highlighted that this initiative serves as Phase 1 of a broader project to alleviate drainage issues in Jaro and La Paz, connecting to a pumping station managed by the regional office.

Traffic and Transportation Management Office’s transportation head, Uldarico Garbanzos, confirmed that project contractors adhere to their recommendations, with road closures and rerouting measures in place for affected areas.