DPWH drops P101-M Iloilo creek rehab over obstructions

ILOILO CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has terminated a P101.32-million rehabilitation project for a creek in Lapuz district after repeated delays caused by obstructions and the presence of settlers.

In a letter to Mayor Raisa Treñas on Sept. 18, former DPWH Western Visayas regional director Joel Limpengco said the project involving Mansaya Creek had become “inaccessible” and “beyond the agency’s control” due to the failure to clear the site.

“The primary challenges include the persistent presence of obstructions, notably the nonremoval of informal settlers, and the consequent inaccessibility of the project site,” Limpengco wrote.

The termination took effect on Sept. 16, nearly two years after the contract was awarded to YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply Inc., a firm owned by couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya.

Records showed the project started on Feb. 10, 2023, with a target completion of March 27, 2024. But as of its termination, work progress was pegged at only 0.02 percent. The DPWH, however, has yet to say whether any of the project funds were released prior to its termination.

The rehabilitation plan covered 2,396 lineal meters of the creek spanning the villages of Lapuz Norte, Don Esteban and Sinikway. The structure was designed at 14.5 meters wide and 3 meters high.

Relocation plan

A 2024 report from the City Local Housing Office identified at least 63 families as informal settlers along the creek, with plans to relocate them to Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district.

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The project was also among eight flagged by the Environmental Management Bureau for review, resulting in a temporary suspension of permit processing by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Treñas lamented the cancellation, stressing that stronger coordination could have prevented the setback.

“Stronger collaboration between national agencies and the local government, including barangay officials, is necessary and vital to ensure that projects intended for our people will not go to waste and are completed,” she said.