AJUY, Iloilo — Over 1,300 residents of Barangay Puente Bunglas in the municipality of Ajuy now have access to a modern Multi-Purpose Hall. Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. spearheaded the inauguration on September 10, 2026, marking another milestone in the province's grassroots infrastructure drive.
A Dual-Purpose Facility for a Flood-Prone Community
The P4.1 million structure serves a dual purpose: it is the new barangay hall and an emergency evacuation center. Barangay Puente Bunglas acts as the catchment basin of Northern Iloilo, experiencing frequent flooding during heavy rains. The facility provides residents with a safe place to run to when waters rise.
Mayor Loida Espinosa emphasized the importance of the evacuation center component. She noted that the barangay always floods when it rains, and now residents have a proper evacuation site. The new hall replaces the old barangay hall, which was located in an inaccessible and overcrowded area.
Strategic Location Along the Highway
The new facility sits along the highway, making it easily accessible for residents and government officials alike. Its location is particularly strategic as Barangay Puente Bunglas lies on the boundary between Ajuy and Concepcion. This positioning allows the hall to serve as a central point for the community.
The modern structure provides a proper space for barangay assemblies, community events, administrative functions, and emergency response operations. Governor Defensor stressed that quality infrastructure is essential for effective local governance, allowing officials to serve their constituents better.
Funded Through National Tax Allocation
The project was financed through the Iloilo Provincial Government's National Tax Allocation, the primary fiscal transfer from the national government to local government units. This funding mechanism allows the province to implement infrastructure projects at the barangay level without relying solely on local revenues.
The Defensor administration has completed several similar multi-purpose halls across the province. These include facilities in Calapdan, Estancia; Pararinga, Janiuay; and Poblacion, Batad. Each project reflects the MoRProGRes Iloilo agenda, which aims to uplift living standards through infrastructure development.
A Broader Push for Disaster Resilience
The inclusion of an evacuation center function reflects a growing emphasis on disaster resilience in local infrastructure planning. The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, making integrated evacuation capabilities a practical and life-saving necessity.
Barangay Puente Bunglas was affected by Tropical Storm Agaton in 2022, when residents had to be evacuated and received humanitarian assistance. The new facility ensures the community is better prepared for future calamities. Governor Defensor also assured residents of continued support and upcoming projects from the provincial government.
