The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday sent workers to Iloilo to speed up the construction of the P2.5-billion flood control project that is expected to mitigate the flood problems in the region this rainy season.

“Secretary Ebdane wants us to work fast to mitigate flood damages and inundation in Iloilo in order to give the people there a sustainable urban community and safer, more pleasant living condition,” Patrick Gatan, head of the DPWH-Project Management Office for Major Flood Control I, said.

Gatan explained that the flood control project is composed of river improvement and construction of floodways that are employed to divert the excess flood discharge of Jaro River towards the Iloilo Strait, namely Jaro Floodway and La Paz Floodway.

They were ordered by Public Works and Highways Secretary Ebdane to rush the project, saying that it would spare the residents of millions in annual loses in properties and missed business opportunities due to floods.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will fund the project in Iloilo that includes three contract packages covering the construction of the Jaro floodway, Tigum and Carpenter Bridge, improvement of Aganan Upper Ingore Creek, Jaro River Mouth and Iloilo Rivers, and development of relocation sites for informal settlers.

Gatan said the Carpenter Bridge is one of the busiest and most useful bridges in Iloilo since it serves as a major gateway to the city proper. He said the project provides adequate water supply, lighting system and livelihood projects for 3,000 families at the relocation sites.

Iloilo City has been suffering from flood damages almost every year due to the insufficient flow capacity of the Jaro River and poor drainage system in the Iloilo River Basin.