ILIGAN CITY — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday assured the Iligan City government of the national government’s full support following the recent flooding that affected several parts of the city.
Dizon thanked Mayor Frederick Siao and local officials for their swift response to the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Basyang over the weekend.
He said the DPWH is acting in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide immediate assistance to affected communities.
During his visit, Dizon inspected the Tubod Bridge, Panul-iran Bridge in Barangay Abuno, a bridge in Pala-o, and flood control structures along the Mandulog River.
Tubod Bridge, river dredging
At Tubod Bridge, officials identified heavy river siltation as a primary concern. The buildup of sediment has reduced the river’s depth, making the approximately 70-year-old bridge appear lower than usual and more vulnerable during periods of high water.
Dizon said dredging and desilting operations along the Iligan River will begin next week. The plan includes clearing the river outfall toward the sea to allow faster discharge of floodwaters, followed by progressive dredging upstream.
“We have to find a way to retrofit that bridge and eventually replace it. Right now, we still need to plan for funding since it has already exceeded its intended service life,” Dizon said.
Although Iligan has an existing Drainage Master Plan, full implementation is scheduled for 2027.
Temporary bridges planned
The Panul-iran Bridge, built in 2005, was completely washed out by strong river currents during the storm, also damaging a nearby flood control structure.
To restore access, the DPWH will construct a temporary steel bridge while planning for a permanent replacement targeted for funding and implementation in 2027.
A steel bridge will also be installed in Purok 10, Riverside, Pala-o, following ongoing repair works in the area.
“The immediate concern is ensuring residents can safely cross the river,” Dizon said.
Mobilization for the temporary bridge is expected within the next two to three months, ahead of the next rainy season.
Repairs to damaged flood control structures will also be undertaken to prevent further destruction during future weather disturbances.
Dizon emphasized the importance of closing structural gaps in flood control systems. “If there are gaps, water will find its way through. Flood protection measures must be continuous and properly connected,” he said.
Mandulog River concerns
Along the Mandulog River, officials inspected a damaged flood control structure. The damage was attributed to stronger river flow and an unfinished bridge opening that has remained incomplete for nearly four years, creating a gap that allowed floodwaters to pass through and weaken sections of the structure. Large rocks carried by strong currents further contributed to the damage.
The contractor has committed to repairing the flood control project under warranty and completing the necessary works before June or July, ahead of the rainy season. While the design appears structurally sound, officials said it will undergo further technical review.
Authorities are also examining whether accelerated river flow may have been aggravated by nearby quarry operations. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be informed to verify compliance and ensure quarry activities do not disrupt the river’s natural flow.
Right-of-way and relocation issues
The completion of one bridge project remains challenged by right-of-way concerns, with about 30 households located within the river’s danger zone.
Barangay Captain Abungal Cauntongan called for relocation assistance to enable proper connection between the bridge and flood control system.
He reported that 10 houses were totally damaged by the storm, while others sustained partial damage.
The P96-million flood control project completed in November 2025 will undergo warranty repairs. Additional dredging is also planned to remove sandbars that obstruct water flow.
LGU thanks DPWH
Mayor Siao expressed gratitude to the DPWH and national government for their assistance.
“We are fortunate to have proactive national agencies ready to help. This is not something the LGU can address alone. The flooding caused significant damage and affected many of our residents, including city employees,” he said.
He appealed for patience and cooperation as recovery efforts continue.
“What matters most now is that we help one another and work together to rebuild our city,” the mayor added.
