ILIGAN City— Iligan City is making progress in revenues, investments, healthcare, education and public services—but Mayor Frederick W. Siao says persistent problems in water supply, flooding, hospital capacity and waste management remain urgent concerns for residents.

Siao laid out the city’s gains and challenges during his State of the Iligan City Address (SOICA) on Aug. 19 at the Anahaw Amphitheater in Buhanginan Hills, Pala-o.

He said the true measure of Iligan’s progress should not be based only on rankings, awards or new infrastructure, but on whether government services make everyday life better for residents.

“Ang tinuod nga estado sa Iligan dili makita sa taas nga rankings, awards, o tag-as nga building,” Siao said, emphasizing the need for reliable water, stable jobs, safer roads and responsive public services.

Water supply remains a major concern

Among the most pressing issues is water supply.

Siao said the city is moving forward with Project Tubo, a proposed initiative of the United Nations Development Programme, with its feasibility study fully funded by the PPP Center and UNDP.

The project will include pipeline repairs, booster pumps, leak repairs and reservoir development.

Siao also assured residents that the Iligan City Water System will remain city-owned. 

He said the proposed ₱15 water-rate increase will not be implemented until the new system is fully operational and consumers begin feeling its benefits.

Flooding, waste management still need solutions

Flooding also remains a challenge, with Siao saying the city’s Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan has been completed and is targeted for implementation next year.

Project Daloy will continue drainage and desilting work, while the city seeks national funding for major river desilting and larger flood-control projects.

Waste management is another concern. Under Executive Order No. 31, every Saturday has been designated as a mandatory Barangay Clean-up Day.

Hospital overcrowding prompts expansion

Healthcare capacity is also under pressure.

Siao said the Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital has been accommodating as many as 250 patients, more than twice its Department of Health-approved capacity of 119 beds.

A ₱30-million expansion funded by the DOH and DPWH will add third-floor wards and isolation rooms, with the project expected to provide around 160 to 170 additional beds.

The city is also expanding access to healthcare through upgraded facilities, Yakap Centers, PhilHealth Konsulta coverage, its first Mobile Clinic, and outreach programs such as Oplan Bisita and Serbisyong Caravan.

Jobs, business and education gains

Siao cited locally generated revenues exceeding ₱1 billion, increased business registrations and investment reforms through the Green Lane as signs of economic progress.

He also pointed to commercial developments, the Smart Industropolis initiative with MSU-IIT, improvements in agriculture and fisheries, upgraded public markets and slaughterhouses, night markets, and the distribution of farm and fishing inputs and equipment.

Education initiatives include the opening of the Iligan City Polytechnic State College in Barangay Buru-un, expanded scholarships, TriPED Library Hubs and grassroots sports clinics.

The city has also expanded digital government services, satellite payment centers and peace-and-order initiatives, including AI-ready CCTV cameras and additional patrol vehicles.

Focus on cost of living

With the rising cost of living affecting households, the city is expanding farm-to-market linkages, Kadiwa stores and free medicine distribution.

Siao said these efforts are meant to ensure that development translates into practical benefits for Iliganons.

Looking ahead, the city’s development will be guided by its 2025–2037 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, including the proposed Buhanginan Hill Civic Complex, which will feature a new city hall, transport facilities and a planned sports complex.

Siao stressed that Iligan’s 44 barangays remain the foundation of effective governance and called on residents, civil society groups and government officials to take part in community development.

“Dili perpekto ang Iligan—apan ang kalamboan wala magpasabot nga perpekto kita dayon, kundi dunay kaisog nga magpadayon,” he said.

He ended his address with a call for unity and public participation, saying Iligan’s best chapter has yet to be written.

“Together, we will write it, build it, and pass it on to the next generation. One City. One People. One Future. Padayon, Asenso Iliganon!” Siao said.