P47-M flood control project built by Davao de Oro-based contractor collapses
Rep. Duterte slams delays, mismanagement
By Ivy Tejano
THE collapsed flood control project on the Padsan River in Ilocos Norte. (Contributed photo)
DAVAO CITY – A P47-million flood control project on the Padsan River in Barangay Gabuin in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte built a Davao del Oro-based contractor collapsed months after its reported completion.
On-site photos showed the dike with fractured and dislodged sections, with chunks of concrete sliding into the river.
Reinforcing steel bars were left exposed, while portions of the riverbank are now at risk of erosion.
The dike was built by RA Pahati Construction reportedly owned by the family of Davao de Oro Rep. Jhong Ceniza.
The project, funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways Ilocos Norte First District Engineering Office.
Project billboards identified RA Pahati Construction & Supply Inc. as the contractor, with a target completion date of Oct. 4, 2024.
The project’s failure prompted calls from residents and engineers for a technical construction review, citing concerns over soil compaction, riprap foundation, and reinforcement standards.
The DPWH has yet to issue a statement regarding the collapse as of posting time.
Rep. Paolo Duterte reacts
Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized alleged delays and mismanagement of local infrastructure projects and urged faster action and transparency in the use of public funds.
“Mga kakabsat kong Ilocano, pahingi naman ng resibo — taxpayer din kami rito sa (My fellow Ilocanos, please show us the receipts — we are taxpayers in) Davao, too,” Rep. Duterte said in his Facebook page.
Rep. Duterte urged concerned government agencies to stop using investigations as props for publicity and instead look into the projects in all other areas of the country.