Five flood control projects in Davao City worth millions, which were awarded to a contractor listed on the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website and owned by the half-brother of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, have been completed.

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao (DPWH-11) confirmed these projects in the city’s third district were completed on schedule.

The contracts were awarded to the contractor, Alfrego Builders and Supply, in 2023 and 2024.

The projects included two phases of concrete revetment construction along the Balite section of Talomo River worth P86.5 million and P47.7 million, respectively; two phases along the Los Amigos section worth P48.7 million and P47.6 million, respectively; and one project along the Pangyan section of Davao River costing P96.5 million.

“All five projects are already completed… As far as DPWH is concerned, dumaan sa  tamang proseso ng procurement ang mga project na na award doon sa contractor… And that’s in accordance to RA 9184,” DPWH-11 Spokesperson, Dean Ortiz, said.

According to a barangay official of Pangyan, the dike has reportedly solved the problem of severe flooding every time the Davao River would overflow, especially during heavy rains in the uphill area.

“Sauna nga wala pa gyud ng dike dira, grabe gyud ang tubig. Ang among Sitio dira sa Purok 5, halos mulapaw sa sapa. Muabot sa Purok namo,” Barangay Pangyan Councilman Romeo Agiaman said.

DAMAGE

While the projects are fully operational, a portion of the dike approach along the Los Amigos Section in Barangay Riverside was damaged by floodwaters.

According to reports, floodwaters caused debris to block the waterway of the overflow bridge. As a result, the floodwater diverted its flow toward the dike, scouring the soil and damaging the dike approach.

“Nabara man gud ang labi na og naay gapnod ba, kawayan. Mubara didto sa ilang culvert kay habog ang culvert ba,” Barangay Riverside Councilman Abraham Seniel, said.

Residents have reinforced the overflow bridge with a makeshift bamboo footbridge temporarily so they can still cross.

DPWH-11 said the damage will be repaired.

“Actually, ito na ‘yung pangalawang pagkakataon. So, the first time inayos natin and then aayusin din naman natin… Gagawin natin immediately para hindi na madagdagan kung ano mang damage ang meron doon…Overflow bridge kasi ‘yun so kung halimbawa may mga bara doon sa ating culverts na inilagay, lilihis talaga ‘yung daloy ng tubig doon sa outer banks and magiging susceptible ang ating approach sa pagsa-scouring,” Ortiz said.

DPWH-11 added that the overflow bridge was only added through a variation order after residents requested that the temporary structure built during the construction of the flood control project not be removed. The flood control project has been turned over to the barangay.

“Nakalagay doon sa ating agreement na ‘yung Barangay Local Government Unit, which is the end user of the structure, sila na ‘yung bahala sa pag-maintain and sa proper operation nung ating istruktura,” Ortiz said.

However, the project is covered under a five-year warranty from the contractor.

“May tinatawag tayo na defects liability period for 5 years from completion. So, kung halimbawa may mga depekto pagdating sa istruktura then babalikan nila ‘yun at no cost to the government,” Ortiz added.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao reached out to the contractor but no one was around at its office. In a text message, the company deferred to the DPWH to explain the project.

DPWH-11 also asked the barangay to keep the overflow bridge clear of debris to prevent further damage to the dike approach.

DPWH-11 maintained that no irregularities were found in the projects.

Meanwhile, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has begun investigating the alleged corruption in flood control projects, which has been blamed for the flooding in Luzon and Metro Manila.