ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has received the results of the geotechnical investigation conducted by a third-party consultant on the Aganan flyover in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo.
Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants submitted the report on December 15, 2024. DPWH-6 engineers are currently reviewing and evaluating the recommendations.
According to DPWH-6 director Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, a meeting between the DPWH and the consultant is scheduled for January 8 to discuss the findings and recommendations in detail.
“We received their recommendations on December 15, and we are now evaluating them to estimate the additional costs needed for implementation,” Oropel told Panay News.
The geotechnical investigation, which began in September 2024, aimed to determine the physical properties of the soil and rock at the flyover’s location.
This investigation was deemed necessary after discrepancies arose between the results of confirmatory and seismic tests conducted by DPWH-6 and the earlier soil test by United Technology Consolidated Partnership (UTCP), which formed the basis of the flyover’s design.
The UTCP tests indicated that solid ground was found at a depth of 20 meters, leading to the construction of 20-meter-deep foundation piles. However, DPWH-6’s confirmatory tests suggested that solid ground lies at a depth of 40 meters or more. To resolve the inconsistency, DPWH-6 engaged the third-party consultant for a thorough geotechnical investigation.
Funding Challenge
Oropel revealed that the DPWH-6 is still seeking funding for the rectification work, particularly for jet grouting, which is a key recommendation in the consultant’s report.
“The rectification funding was not included in the 2024 budget allocation. While we have funds for the original design plan, the jet grouting recommendation requires additional resources. We will likely request funding from our Central Office,” Oropel explained.
Currently, P308 million of the P802-million total budget for the Aganan flyover remains available for its completion under the approved design plan. However, additional funding of approximately P210 million may be needed if the rectification follows the methodology applied to the nearby Ungka flyover.
Both the Aganan and Ungka flyovers share similar design origins and geographic conditions, as both were designed by UTCP under the Bureau of Design, DPWH-Central Office. The rectification of the Ungka flyover, which involved jet grouting at a cost of around P10 million per pier, provides a benchmark for the Aganan flyover, which has 21 piers.
Oropel expressed optimism that rectifying the Aganan flyover will be less challenging than Ungka since the flyover slab has not yet been constructed.
DPWH-6 aims to finalize its plans and secure the necessary funds to ensure the successful rectification of the Aganan flyover and prevent future structural issues./PN
