President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has commended the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), saying its accomplishments have not only changed Philippine landscapes but have defined the country as a whole. *President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Ali Vicoy)*

Marcos said this during the DPWH's 125th founding anniversary program in Manila on Friday, June 23. In his speech, the President acknowledged how the DPWH has been at the "front and center" of planning and constructing the country's majestic buildings and flagship projects, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the San Juanico Bridge. He said the employees and workers of DPWH should be proud of what they have done over the past 125 years. "You should be proud for each of you has contributed to the building of the nation as a whole," Marcos said. "It is an example for all of us that, through your dedication and industry, we now have structures that produce opportunities, facilitate commerce, increase mobility, and protect the lives of our people," he added.

'Finish projects on time'

Meanwhile, President Marcos asked the DPWH to fulfill its duty under his Administration's [8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda](https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/22/marcos-bares-agenda-for-prosperity-proposes-p5-268-t-budget-for-2023/) by ensuring that projects are completed on time.

Marcos: The DPWH has been at the front and center of the planning and construction of it all. It has also been responsible for building flagship projects such as the San Juanico Bridge and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. @manilabulletin

— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyll_mb) June 23, 2023

"It continues to be my hope that everyone in the DPWH will remain steadfast in its mandate as well as stay committed to fulfilling this administration's 8-point socioeconomic agenda by committing to construct and finish critical infrastructure projects on time, on schedule, and under budget," he said. "I urge you to continue streamlining your procedures-- preventing delays and cost overruns and enforcing transparency measures in all government projects and transactions," he added, Acknowledging that his order would be difficult, Marcos assured the DPWH of his office's continued support, saying it is "not alone" in this endeavor. "The entire government is there with you— to make the government more efficient, to make the bureaucracy more modern, more aware of all the new technologies and techniques that are available to us that we can use to our benefit," he said. "There are many agencies and, of course, all the other departments, and for that matter, my own office are there behind you to support you to make all that you undertake a success," he added.