Dizon apologizes for delayed repair of damaged roads, infra in Benguet
DIZON (right). (DPWH FB)
TUBA, Benguet – Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday apologized for the delayed repair of damaged roads and other infrastructure here, saying he would ensure that the P20 million requested in October, as well as other disaster quick response funds (QRF), are released soon.
Among the delayed projects is the installation of gabion along a portion of Marcos Highway.
Dizon said construction will begin Monday, as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Gabion is a wire mesh cage or basket filled with rocks, concrete, or soil that controls erosion, stabilizes soil, and retains structures.
“Minsan ang proseso ng gobyerno ang bagal, ang tagal, hindi pa pala napondohan ito kaya nagpunta ako para sabihan ang RD (Regional Director), District Engineer na ipagawa na ngayon, magtatag-ulan na. Kailangan simulan na ito (Sometimes the government process is slow that this has not yet been funded so I had to come to order the RD, District Engineer to do this now as rainy season nears),” Dizon said during his visit here.
Dizon said the QRF is intended to provide immediate action to prevent further damage.
“Close to P20 million lang, hindi kalakihan kaya nagalit ako na ganun lang ang budget hindi pa pala nagawa. Kailangan ayusin natin ang sistema at pondo ng QRF sa calamity kasi kung naghihintay tayo ng ilang buwan, hindi QRF 'yun (The budget is only P20 million, so I got angry because the amount is minimal amount yet the project was not implemented. We need to fix the funding system using QRF for calamity and we should not wait months, as it is no longer a QRF if that is the case),” Dizon said.
The portion of the road caved in following several tropical cyclones, aggravated by super typhoon Nando in September 2025.
Only one lane of the highway is safe and the drainage is clogged, preventing rainwater flow.
The repair and installation will take about three to four months. (PNA)