Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said he is determined to make every peso count this year, assuring the public that government funds will be put to good use.

Speaking during the DPWH’s first press conference for the year, Dizon echoed the President’s directive to prioritize major roads and bridges, focusing on projects that he said should have been top priorities in previous years.

“There is no highway, no road more important than the Maharlika Highway,” he said.

Dizon said the department plans to rehabilitate the Maharlika Highway, which stretches from Aparri to Mindanao, including major sections such as McArthur Highway, Quirino Highway, and Andaya Highway in Bicol, among others.

As part of the agency’s major road program, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) remains a key focus. “I’m happy to announce we are ahead of schedule for our May 31 timeline for Phase 1, from Orense to Roxas Boulevard,” he said.

Dizon added that the next major project lined up is the rehabilitation of C5 Road, with design works already underway and construction expected to begin in the first quarter.

Several bridge projects are also in the pipeline, including the Buot-Taop Bridge in Cebu, Oyungan Bridge in Iloilo, and Tubod-Nabuna Bridge in Misamis Occidental. Damaged hanging bridges, including one in Barangay Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, will also be repaired.

“Kahit na bumaba ang budget ng DPWH, papatunayan natin—dahil sa suporta ng ating Pangulo,” Dizon said.

He stressed that despite a significant budget cut this year, the department aims to deliver more projects. “Mas marami tayong magagawa, mas marami tayong maayos, mas marami tayong marerepair, at gagawin natin ito ng maayos, ng tama, ng mabilis, at sa mas murang halaga,” he said.

Dizon also identified the completion of long-delayed infrastructure as a priority, citing projects such as the San Agustin Bridge, Candaba Bridge, Aganan Flyover, and Tigasao-Pacifico Bridge, among others nationwide.

He urged the public to report issues and concerns through the DPWH transparency portal, social media channels, email, and hotline.

Separately, Dizon said he is set to testify before the Sandiganbayan in his case against former congressman Zaldy Co and his co-accused.

“Ako ay magtetestigo sa Sandiganbayan sa trial ni former congressman Zaldy Co… Ako ay magtetestigo sa kaso sa Oriental Mindoro, sa kaso ni former congressman Zaldy Co,” Dizon said.