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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH halts science-based flood control plan until ongoing projects are finished

DPWH halts science-based flood control plan until ongoing projects are finished

Published Sep 18, 2025 10:59 am

At A Glance

  • DPWH to complete ongoing flood control projects before shifting to science-based planning.
  • Secretary Vince Dizon cites irregularities in current projects as top priority.
  • Project NOAH and red-zone targeting proposed for future flood control measures.
  • 2026 budget trimmed to P625.78 billion, down 28.9% from original request.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will focus on completing ongoing flood control projects flagged for irregularities before adopting a science-based flood planning approach.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that ensuring the proper implementation of projects already under way remains the department’s immediate priority.
“In our previous hearing, Chairperson Mika Suansing suggested that for flood control, we use a science-based approach, specifically drawing from Project NOAH, which is probably the most reputable institution from the University of the Philippines,” Dizon said.
Following this, several House members proposed flood control projects targeting identified “red zones.”
Dizon explained that the department could not abandon ongoing projects, many of which have been questioned for irregular practices.
“Number one, we already have ongoing flood control projects, and those should be our priority—especially given the questionable issues that have been raised against these projects all over the country,” he said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed DPWH to clean up irregularities in infrastructure programs as part of efforts to rebuild public trust.
“We are ensuring the proper implementation of all these ongoing projects. More importantly, the President is sending a very clear message to the people that we will clean this up—and we will clean this up now,” Dizon added.
“He wants to start building trust, not only in the DPWH but in the whole government, so that our citizens will see that we are serious about addressing the problems uncovered in flood control projects,” he said.
The department’s resubmitted 2026 budget now stands at P625.78 billion, down from the initial P881.31 billion.
Lawmakers carved out P255.53 billion from DPWH’s original proposal, reducing the agency’s funding request by 28.9 percent as a result of the accountability measures.

Related Tags

DPWH flood control Project NOAH Science-Based Planning Vince Dizon public trust
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