Bulacan issues unified protocol for national infrastructure projects

Daniel R. Fernando has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 23, Series of 2025, establishing a standardized protocol for the coordination, monitoring, and acceptance of national government infrastructure projects implemented within the province of Bulacan.

Fernando said the executive order institutionalizes a unified framework to ensure the orderly, transparent, and efficient implementation of national infrastructure projects across the province.

The protocol requires mandatory coordination, validation, and acceptance at the barangay, city or municipal, and provincial levels, with the aim of promoting transparency, community awareness, and alignment with local development plans.

Under EO No. 23, all national government-funded infrastructure projects in Bulacan are covered. These include, but are not limited to, roads, bridges, and transportation facilities; drainage, flood control, and irrigation systems; water supply, sewerage, and sanitation projects; public buildings, markets, and multi-purpose halls; as well as energy, communication, and digital infrastructure. The order also applies to projects involving right-of-way acquisition, environmental clearances, and community impact.

All covered projects are required to undergo proper coordination with the Provincial Government of Bulacan to ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards, as well as responsiveness to the needs of Bulakenyos. The EO also establishes mechanisms for systematic monitoring to track project progress, address implementation concerns, and safeguard public interest.

In addition, the order sets clear guidelines for the acceptance of completed projects, ensuring that infrastructure delivered by national government agencies meets prescribed technical, safety, and quality standards before formal turnover to concerned local government units or provincial offices.

The EO further states that failure to comply with the required coordination, validation, and acceptance procedures shall constitute non-cooperation under the Local Government Code of 1991. Such non-compliance may result in the referral of responsible contractors or implementing agencies for possible suspension or stoppage of work, the imposition of administrative sanctions including blacklisting, and recommendations for disciplinary, administrative, or legal action before concerned authorities such as the Commission on Audit and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Fernando emphasized that EO No. 23 is a key policy measure aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency, and collaboration between the national and provincial governments, particularly as Bulacan continues to experience rapid growth and expanding infrastructure development.

"With this protocol, we ensure that national government projects in Bulacan are properly coordinated, closely monitored, and responsibly accepted, always prioritizing the welfare of our people," the governor said.