Residents of Barangay Balabag in Dumangas, Iloilo were glad when the P77-million slope protection project was completed in February 2025, citing it was deemed a solution to the community's perennial flood woes.

"Everytime na lumakas ang ulan, lumalalim (ang tubig) dyan sa amin at umaapaw ang tubig. Hanggang bewang kami dyan,” Eva Gustilo, a resident, said.

However, it seemed as though Gustilo’s hope crumbled when a large portion of the dike collapsed on October 25, 2025.

Portions of the dike started crumbling reportedly since October 10, 2025, aggravated by ground shakings due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Manay, Davao Oriental. But Gustilo surmised that the structure is another substandard project.

"Hindi ako naniniwalang lindol. Kung lindol ang ating ano, hindi guguho ang dike,” Gustilo said.

According to a barangay official, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) did not inform them of the said project.

“Nakita na lang namin na may ganyan nang project. Ngunit pag-start, hindi sila nag-inform sa amin,” Barangay Balabag Councilwoman Rosalie Ignacio said.

According to an official of the DPWH 2nd Iloilo District Engineering Office (DEO) who refused an on-camera interview, tremors and heavy rains destroyed reportedly 150 meters of the 295-meter-long portion of the structure.

Meantime, DPWH has placed warning signs at the collapsed portion of the dike. However, residents could not be appeased.

“Ayusin nila kaagad para ma-safety ang tao na dumadaan. Baka kung umabot sa dulo, gumuho na lahat,” Rosela Lazarte, one of several worried residents, expressed.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas tried to seek the side of the contractor to the incident, but is yet to issue a statement.

However, according to DPWH, the contractor has assured of repair works on the collapsed portion of the dike.

Repair works would cost approximately P35 million that the contractor will shoulder, DPWH said further.