Status Update from DPWH 6
A flyover project in Pavia, Iloilo, known locally as the Aganan Flyover, requires an additional budget of P285 million to reach completion. This update came during the September 29, 2025 session of the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), where Engr. Jose Al Fruto, assistant regional director of DPWH Region 6, provided the latest status on the project. Fruto said the DPWH 6 targets completing the flyover before the end of 2026, but warned that the timeline hinges on securing the extra funds for critical works.
What the 285 Million Covers
According to Fruto, the accumulated funding gap is needed specifically for jet grouting and road widening in the project area. Of the 23 posts that comprise the structure, only three — piers 6, 7, and 8 — currently have funds allocated for jet grouting. This means substantial portions of the elevated roadway still depend on new budget releases to proceed with essential ground improvement and widening activities.
Timeline and Challenges
Fruto explained that if funds become available under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the DPWH could begin early procurement and possibly start actual construction by February or March next year. Despite these assurances, the completion remains uncertain given the current funding shortfall and the scope of works that still require execution.
DPWH 6 previously stalled related works on the Aganan Flyover in 2022 after construction began in 2019. In addition, discrepancies were raised regarding seismic test results conducted by DPWH 6 and its consultant UTCP, claims of which have been cited in discussions about the project’s progress and safety considerations.
Local Governance Response
Following Fruto’s briefing, the Sangguniang Bayan discussed advancing a resolution addressed to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to probe the project’s status. Council members voiced concerns about accountability for the Aganan and Ungka flyovers, both tagged by some local observers as “palpak” or failed projects, and urged those responsible to be held to account.
The council also expressed intent to appeal to the national government for funding to complete the Aganan Flyover. Vice Mayor Edsel Gerochi highlighted the need to budget and pursue proper charges against individuals or entities responsible for the delays and perceived missteps in both the Aganan and Ungka projects.
Oversight and What’s Next
As of this report, DPWH’s status page lists the Aganan Flyover at an 81 percent completion rate. The council noted that a visual inspection reveals significant work still required even within the sections currently flagged as near completion. DPWH 6 notes that progress depends on timely funding, procurement, and coordination among contractors and the agency’s regional office.
Looking ahead, the agency signaled that if funds are released under the 2026 GAA, early procurement could commence, enabling construction to begin in the early part of the year. Beyond this, the council is pursuing a broader accountability framework, including a possible national-level review, to ensure transparent handling of the two recent flyover projects in the area and to determine the proper steps toward resolution.
Why This Matters
Access to reliable, safe, and timely infrastructure remains a priority for Pavia and Iloilo as a whole. The Aganan Flyover not only affects local traffic flow but also has implications for safety, disaster resilience, and regional mobility. The upcoming months will reveal whether the additional funds can be secured and whether the project can meet its revised timetable.
