Iloilo city: Mayor Raisa Tre±as is hopeful to hear President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. present his priority plans to address flooding during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Tre±as, in a press conference on Monday, said flood control projects have been a big help for Iloilo City in mitigating flooding.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Iloilo Flood Control Project has several components, including the improvement of Aganan and Tigum Rivers, the upper and mouth of Jaro River, midstream of Iloilo River and upper Ingore Creek and its associated bridge, as well as the construction of the Jaro floodway. It was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways and completed in 2012 with funding support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The mayor emphasized that flood control is necessary, especially since flooding does not only affect one area.

Mayor Tre±as stated that 'Flood control should be ongoing,' adding that the city's project is designed to last only 20 years. She stressed the need for next programs and projects to study the lifespan of new flood control measures. Meanwhile, the neophyte mayor expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Marcos administration, noting that the city has benefited from various programs and projects of his administration.

As a local chief executive (LCE), Tre±as feels the impact of the administration's plans. She mentioned that Iloilo City is the only city chosen for the traffic planning program of the Department of Transportation. Her office also recently hosted officials from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for programs they intend to implement, expressing gratitude for the city's inclusion in studies and grants.

On the other hand, Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda is looking forward to hearing the President's plans on further strengthening the economy, advancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors, and progressing the establishment of life-saving specialty hospital services in the regions. Baronda remarked that updates on how the national government is enhancing disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts would be beneficial, especially given growing environmental concerns like climate change, land subsidence, and natural calamities, including recent flooding.