At A Glance
- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon declared zero tolerance for fly-by-night contractors and ordered the urgent completion of long-delayed Pampanga infrastructure projects before the rainy season.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon declared zero tolerance for fly-by-night contractors and ordered the urgent completion of long-delayed Pampanga infrastructure projects before the rainy season.
Dizon made the announcement after inspecting a pothole-ridden section of MacArthur Highway in Apalit left unrepaired for five years despite costing P38 million.
He also visited a collapsed road dike in Barangay Cupang, Arayat, which threatens flooding in nearby towns if unaddressed.
The DPWH chief directed the Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office to carry out 24/7 road repairs using 2025 budget savings.
He assured the public that daily operations would continue despite the suspension of the district engineer under investigation for alleged anomalies.
Residents voiced fears of further dike collapse during heavy rains, with Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis Pineda warning that failure to act could endanger Arayat, Sta. Ana, Mexico, and San Fernando.
Dizon committed to immediate protective measures and long-term solutions, including dredging and desilting of the Pampanga River and possible rehabilitation of a buried cut-off channel.
The DPWH, together with the Technical Working Group on Flood Management, is prioritizing updates to the Pampanga River Basin Flood Control Master Plan.