The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started the technical assessment of the collapsed flood control dike in Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga to rectify the dike’s structural foundations.

In a statement issued on 26 January 2026, the DPWH said that they are following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of conducting a full investigation, as permanent engineering solution are being fast-tracked on the fundamental design flaws of the dike.

The statement added that the DPWH engineering teams are already on-site to implement urgent measures to protect affected houses and residents. The design will be overhauled to ensure a structurally sound and permanent flood control system.

The DPWH is now identifying all liable parties, including the contractor, DPWH personnel, and other individuals involved, wherein findings will be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for prosecution and exact accountability.

The Candating Dike is a controversial flood control project in Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga, that has recently collapsed for the third time in January 2026, leading to the destruction of over 20 houses and the evacuation of numerous families.

The structure first sustained major damage in August 2024 following Super Typhoon Carina. Despite ongoing repairs, it collapsed again over the weekend of 24 - 25 January 2026, due to what officials described as fundamental design flaws and softened soil from continuous rains.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered a complete overhaul of the project. He characterized the design as “erratic” and “not really correct,” specifically noting that the foundations were insufficient.

The DPWH is preparing to file cases against the contractor, Eddmari Construction and Trading, and involved district officials. Findings are being submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential prosecution.

The project reportedly received roughly P100 million to P300 million in total funding across various phases.