Public Works officials have begun a technical assessment of a collapsed flood control dike in Barangay Candating after the structure failed for the third time this month, destroying more than 20 homes and forcing families to evacuate.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to conduct a full investigation into the Candating Dike. Engineering teams are on-site to implement urgent measures to protect remaining residents while officials fast-track a permanent engineering solution for the project’s fundamental design flaws.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon described the current design as “erratic” and “not really correct,” noting that the foundations were insufficient to support the structure.

The dike first sustained major damage in August 2024 following super typhoon “Carina.” Despite ongoing repairs, it collapsed again during the weekend of 24 to 25 January due to softened soil from continuous rains and structural weaknesses.

The agency is now identifying liable parties, including the contractor, Eddmari Construction and Trading, as well as DPWH personnel and other individuals involved in the project.

Officials said findings will be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice for potential prosecution.

The project reportedly received between P100 million and P300 million in total funding across various phases.

Dizon has ordered a complete overhaul of the project to ensure a structurally sound system. “We will exact accountability,” the department said in a statement, stressing that the new design will address the soil conditions and foundational requirements that led to the repeated failures.