Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon laid down his plans on Saturday to conduct site visits and inspections of infrastructure projects in the Visayas and Mindanao in the coming week.

“Our kababayan's is pitiful so we have to really look at every area of the country para maitulak natin and once and for all matapos na ‘tong mga ‘to,” Dizon said.

(“Our countrymen’s situation is pitiful, so we really have to look at every area of the country to push this through and finally finish these projects.”)

Dizon said his itinerary includes visits to Cebu and Davao and will once again traverse the Maharlika Highway, this time traveling from Bicol to the Visayas.

“Apart from Davao, there many areas in Mindanao na maraming sirang kalye, maraming nakatenggang mga tulay na kailangan ayusin natin ‘yan,” he added.

(“Apart from Davao, there are many areas in Mindanao with damaged roads and unfinished bridges that we need to fix.”)

Dizon emphasized amid concerns over incorrect grid coordinates in flood control projects, that the probe into infrastructure irregularities extends beyond flood control initiatives.

“There are many things that should be fixed in the department, but we will not left behind ongoing investigations as will be continues in the coming weeks we will file cases in the coming weeks at the Office of the Ombudsman,” Dizon said.

Dizon said, "There is a need to insulate the system from human manipulation and human intervention and in a lot of cases yan ang ginawa… kaya nga tayo may transparency portal para masigurado at mamonitor ng mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang mga proyekto.”

(“…and in a lot of cases that’s what happened… that’s why we have a transparency portal to ensure that our countrymen can monitor the various projects.”)

Ongoing reforms will also be discussed within the department aimed at strengthening meritocracy in the agency.

“Part of the reforms is to the recruitment of fresh graduates, fresh engineering passers, kailangan din gawin nating tunay na meritocracy yung department, hindi naman yung palakasan, padrino-drino, even if you know someone and others, you will get promoted or will remain in your work even if sablay sablay yung ginagawa mo sa distrito, wala na yun,” Dizon explained.

(“Part of the reforms is recruiting fresh graduates, new engineering passers; we also need to ensure the department is a true meritocracy. It’s no longer about favoritism or connections. Even if you know someone, you won’t get promoted or stay in your job if you fail at your district work. That’s gone.”)