DPWH vows stricter planning, monitoring of flood control projects

Future flood control projects will strictly follow approved plans and be closely monitored to prevent irregularities, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said Sunday.

In a radio interview, Dizon said all flood control projects, including those planned for Iligan City, will be aligned with existing master plans and subjected to close supervision to ensure proper implementation.

He said the agency will take time to thoroughly plan the projects so construction in flood-prone areas can begin by 2027.

Dizon said several areas in Mindanao, particularly Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato and Maguindanao, urgently need flood control infrastructure due to their vulnerability to flooding.

Heavy rains brought by Tropical Cyclone Basyang in recent days caused widespread flooding in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, resulting in significant damage.

Dizon said the scale of the damage underscores the need for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to submit all information and evidence it has gathered to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice.

The Ombudsman and the DOJ need the documents to pursue charges against individuals involved in alleged corruption, he said.

Under the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for 2026, P2.49 billion was allocated for maintenance and other operating expenses of existing flood control and drainage systems and related facilities.

Dizon said no funding was allocated for new locally funded flood control projects in the 2026 budget, in line with President Marcos’ directive to streamline DPWH expenditures.