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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'No sacred cows' in infrastructure cleanup as classroom projects stall – Dizon

'No sacred cows' in infrastructure cleanup as classroom projects stall – Dizon

Published Nov 4, 2025 01:44 pm
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince B. Dizon (Photo: DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince B. Dizon (Photo: DPWH)
A broad reform drive with “no sacred cows” is underway alongside a catch-up plan for classroom projects stalled by late fund releases, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Dizon confirmed that funding for several school-building projects was downloaded only in late August 2025, despite the memorandum of agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) being signed in July — a delay that slowed project mobilization.
He said the DPWH and DepEd, led by Secretary Sonny Angara, have since launched a nationwide catch-up program to accelerate the delivery of school facilities.
The fast-track initiative aims to ensure students and teachers benefit from improved learning spaces at the earliest possible time, he added.
Dizon also reported that easing construction material prices is helping the government stretch its infrastructure budget.
With lower costs, he said the DPWH can prioritize the construction of more classrooms, hospitals, and farm-to-market roads across the country.
Leadership and accountability
Dizon cited the resignation of former Undersecretary Arrey Perez — who stepped down amid allegations later proven unfounded — as a rare display of integrity in public service.
He noted that Perez now supports government programs from the private sector.
Asked about speculation that he may step down after pushing reforms, Dizon said he will remain at the DPWH as long as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. requires his service.
“I go where the President tells me to go. There’s still a lot to fix at the DPWH, especially when it comes to cleaning up old practices that have persisted for decades,” he said.
He reiterated that corruption probes will proceed “wherever the evidence leads, regardless of rank or influence,” noting that several officials have already been charged and that “some may face jail time before Christmas.”
On Monday, the DPWH rolled out a price-standardization reform to curb overpricing in public works procurement — a move Dizon described as one of the agency’s most significant transparency initiatives.

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DPWH DepEd infrastructure classroom construction govt reforms
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