The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to model next year’s projects on its post-disaster rehabilitation efforts, using lessons from roads, bridges, and hospitals to deliver faster, more durable, and cost-effective infrastructure.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said Monday that the agency will continue prioritizing efficiency and quality in its projects.

“Our priority now is to be able to replicate what we did during the typhoons, during the earthquakes. That will be our mantra next year and in the years to come,” Dizon said.

The DPWH cited completed projects that will guide future work, including the Piggatan Detour Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, finished in 60 days; repairs to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City, which included temporary tents and smart city installations; and the restoration of school buildings in Masbate damaged by Typhoon Opong.

Ongoing works, such as the collapsed section of the Bukidnon-Davao Road in Sitio Kipolot, Quezon, Bukidnon—expected to be completed by 06 January 2025—and the reinforced San Juanico Bridge in Tacloban City, now partially open to heavy vehicles, will also serve as models for upcoming projects.

“It turns out it can be done that way—the price can be proper, it can be fast, it can be quality,” Dizon said.

The DPWH earlier said it expects to save around P60 billion by standardizing and lowering the costs of key construction materials, allowing the government to build an additional 1,600 kilometers of concrete roads and 1,000 kilometers of asphalt roads next year.

Dizon described the move as “the single biggest reform in DPWH,” noting that prices of cement, gravel, asphalt, steel, and concrete are now aligned with market levels without compromising quality.

Material costs have dropped by as much as 74 percent compared to earlier this year, with asphalt prices down by about 50 percent and reinforcing steel by 30 to 32 percent. The reform is also intended to curb corruption and reduce cost irregularities.

As the investigation into the flood control controversy continues, the DPWH has recommended charges against 87 individuals, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former DPWH officials, and several senators, for plunder, malversation, bribery, and other violations.

Of these, 23 cases have been filed in court, nine arrests have been made, and around 90 DPWH personnel face administrative cases. Recovered funds include P150 million returned by former officials, P48 million from auctioned luxury vehicles, and about P13 billion in frozen assets.

To strengthen transparency, the DPWH has launched a public portal displaying project data, including the use of reduced material costs.