Instead of giving them comfort and peace of mind, a P139.7 million flood mitigation project in Tigbauan, Iloilo has turned into a cause for concern for residents of Barangay Napnapan Sur.

This is because, less than three months since it was completed in May 2026, part of the project has collapsed.

Cracks have also surfaced on the structure that residents in the area could not help but be worried more parts of the structure would give way, eventually.

The flood mitigation project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Part of the structure collapsed on August 10, 2026 shortly after a house beside it went down following continuous rains.

“Dismayado talaga. Kahit sinong tumingin sa sitwasyon namin ngayon, ganito na ang nangyari. Ang happy, mabilisan lang, noong Mayo hanggang nitong nakaraan (linggo),” said Ramier Coniedo, a resident.

With the amount of taxpayers' money spent on the project, residents could not help but get frustrated.

“Kaba, takot. Kung sakaling tumaas ang baha, ano ang mangyayari sa amin dito? Kaya nga sabi ko sa kanila, ginawa ‘nyo na sya, sana inisip nyo kung ano ang depensa sa taas,” said Josephine Tejeros, another resident.

Arnaldo Tamon, the captain of Barangay Napnapan Sur, said water that accumulated in the area above the structure may have been one of the factors that contributed to the collapse.

“Meron syang tubig, doon na-stock. Isa yan sa factors na gumuho kasi walang labasan, wala nang access,” Tamon said.

Investigation by the Municipal Engineering Office and the DPWH Iloilo First Engineering Office pointed to soil erosion as the main cause of the collapse.

But the municipal engineer pointed out that DWPH and the project’s contractor should have studied the soil condition in the area before building the project.

“Sana kung nakita ni designer, baka kung may mga factor silang i-add sa design,” said Carlos Locsin, Jr., municipal engineer of Tigbauan LGU.

The DPWH Iloilo First Engineering Office has declined issuing a statement, as of this writing, pending investigation into the incident.