The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon personally inspected flood-hit areas of Iligan City following the onslaught of Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha).
Acting under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Dizon visited the Mandulog Flood Control Project, Pinul-iran River and Bridge in Barangay Palao, and the Tubod Bridge, all of which sustained damage from massive flooding.
During the visit, Dizon ordered the immediate dredging of the Iligan River to clear heavy siltation and improve water flow.
He also directed the construction of a temporary steel bridge in Barangay Abuno to replace the Panul-iran Bridge, which was swept away by strong currents.
The temporary bridge is expected to be completed within 60 days, while a permanent replacement will be funded under the 2027 national budget.
Iligan City has been placed under a state of calamity due to widespread flooding.
Mayor Frederick Siao, who accompanied Dizon, said floodwaters originated from upland areas, with rainfall volume equivalent to nearly 100 days of continuous rain, according to weather reports.
DPWH Quick Response Teams continue clearing landslide-hit and flooded roads to restore safe traffic flow. National and local agencies are coordinating relief and rehabilitation efforts, with officials stressing that clearing operations are critical to remove debris and prevent further flooding should heavy rains return.
The inspection highlights the government’s dual approach: short-term emergency response and long-term resilience planning.
While dredging and debris clearing are underway, officials emphasized the need for structural upgrades and flood-mitigation measures to protect Iligan City from increasingly severe weather events.
