Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has confirmed that the city government has commissioned a third-party team from the University of the Philippines-Diliman to conduct an independent study on the causes of flooding in the city.

The initiative comes in response to flooding that affected 54,906 individuals, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

“The recent rains clearly showed how vulnerable the city is,” Treñas said. “We need scientific data to understand whether ongoing or completed infrastructure projects are contributing to the flooding.”

The study, she added, is being undertaken with the full backing of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

“Secretary Bonoan is aware of the initiative and fully supports our effort to conduct this study,” Treñas noted.

The UP team is expected to assess whether DPWH projects have aggravated drainage issues in the city.

Treñas said she had attempted to meet with Iloilo City District Engineer Roy Pacanan to discuss the matter, but the DPWH office had been unavailable.

“We sent a request and were told they were heading to Manila. We tried to reschedule, but they still couldn’t make it,” she said.

The mayor stressed the need for clear coordination between DPWH and the city government, especially in the planning and implementation of flood control projects. She warned that uncoordinated efforts could worsen the city’s vulnerabilities.

“There must be proper consultation with the LGU so we can align plans and ensure solutions are effective. Drainage systems should be connected, not fragmented,” she emphasized.

Treñas also reiterated that she had issued a Cease and Desist Order on certain projects, but clarified that the decision to proceed rests with Engineer Pacanan.

However, she warned that any move to continue against the DPWH secretary’s directive would have consequences.

“Secretary Bonoan has already ordered a halt. If Engineer Pacanan chooses to move forward, that’s his accountability to his superior,” she said.

The city is now awaiting the findings of the UP Diliman team, which are expected to provide a crucial foundation for future flood mitigation planning and infrastructure development. IMT