The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) urged the public, particularly the netizens, to be the government’s eyes and ears in locating unfinished and substandard projects of the department.

The call was made amid some concerns over the slow action or inaction on the part of local officials on some road and other infrastructure repair issues. 

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the call also covers areas that need immediate intervention of the department such as damaged roads and infrastructures that directly affect the normal lives of residents.

“I cannot personally monitor everything, that’s impossible. That’s why citizens’ participation is important,” said Dizon.

He cited for instance the case of a viral video of an unfinished road project in Barangay Mayombo in Dagupan City in Pangasinan which was even visited by Dizon as soon as he watched the viral video.

Dizon explained that the incident would have not reached without the posting of the issue on social media. It was only when the video went viral that Dizon’s office knew of the problem.

Following the incident, Dizon instructed the local DPWH personnel to finish the project in the soonest possible time.

The road is now accessible to all vehicles and local officials are thankful since the project was expanded to make the area accessible even to emergency situations.

He said netizens could even tag and message the DPWH in its social media accounts.

“What we can assure, however, is our quick response, fast action for all the complaints and information that you would provide us,” said Dizon.