The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seeking a P5 billion allocation under the proposed 2026 national budget for the implementation of a large-scale dredging and desilting program in heavily silted rivers and waterways nationwide.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the program will be carried out in-house to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in the agency’s flood control efforts.

“There is a prevailing perception of corruption when dredging projects are contracted out to private firms. To dispel such doubts, the DPWH will implement the program in-house and take full responsibility for its execution,” Bonoan said.

He noted that many rivers and waterways have not been properly dredged or desilted in over 15 years, reducing their capacity to manage floodwaters even with the presence of structural flood defenses.

“No matter how high we build flood defenses, if we do not desilt and increase the carrying capacity of our rivers, floodwaters will continue to overflow,” he said.

Bonoan added that the program was initially planned years ago but was deferred due to funding constraints, particularly for the procurement of heavy equipment.

With its inclusion in the agency’s 2026 budget proposal, he expressed optimism that the initiative would move forward.

If approved, the program will prioritize flood-prone areas where silt accumulation has repeatedly caused damage to residential communities and agricultural lands.

The DPWH is also finalizing a report for submission to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., detailing completed and ongoing flood control projects under the current administration.

As of this year, the department has completed 9,800 flood mitigation projects and is implementing 5,700 more, all of which are currently under audit to assess performance, timeliness, and compliance.