ILIGAN CITY — With heavy rains exposing the vulnerability of this city’s aging drainage systems, local officials are getting high-level backing to untangle bureaucratic red tape and tap into a massive P35 billion national disaster fund.
Senators Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian and Jose Ejercito ‘Jinggoy’ Estrada visited Iligan over the weekend to assess several flooded barangays and discuss long-term solutions, primarily focusing on the heavily silted Iligan River near the 70-year-old Tubod Bridge.
“First and foremost, I extend my sympathy to the barangays affected by the floods and to Mayor Siao. We are here to work together and find solutions,” Gatchalian said.
Unlocking disaster and development funds
To aid in the city’s recovery, Gatchalian highlighted that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) fund for 2026 has nearly tripled, jumping from P12 billion to P35 billion following the recent devastation in Cebu and Bohol. Iligan City can access this war chest for rehabilitation once the local disaster council submits a proper assessment.
Additionally, the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) has been expanded to roughly P60 billion, allowing local governments outside of Metro Manila to finance crucial development projects.
“These are the two funds Iligan can access for rebuilding and development,” Gatchalian said.
The 2026 national budget also includes a first-of-its-kind housing disaster fund specifically earmarked for local governments to help residents reconstruct damaged homes.
Breaking the dredging bottleneck
Funding aside, the physical barriers to flood control remain a pressing issue. Gatchalian pointed out that silted urban rivers drastically reduce water-carrying capacity, needing immediate dredging and the elevation of the Tubod Bridge.
However, local efforts have been stalled. Mayor Frederick Siao revealed that the City Engineer’s Office has been waiting on a dredging permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for three years. With the rainy season already underway, Gatchalian assured city officials he would step in and coordinate directly with national agencies to fast-track the permit.
The senator also noted that climate change has rendered existing drainage systems inadequate, pledging Senate support for Iligan’s proposed comprehensive drainage master plan. While some new flood control projects are paused for 2026, construction will continue using remaining 2025 funds.
By 2027, the Senate plans to rigorously review all Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control master plans to prevent substandard construction.
Continuing on-the-ground relief
Beyond infrastructure, the visit brought immediate relief to local communities. Gatchalian turned over P825,000 in food aid destined for 15,846 families still reeling from Typhoon Basyang.
Meanwhile, Estrada distributed 1,000 family food packs to residents across Barangay Tubod, Purok Manuang, Emmanuel, Riverside, and Mangga, taking a moment to thank Iliganons for their support during his 2022 Senate run.
For the local government, the national presence offered a much-needed boost.
“Dako kaayo nato kalipay, unsa na kaha tong mga biktima nga gi-anhaan mismo. Again, thank you very much,” Siao said.
