Rep. Duterte welcomes Dizon's pledge to fund Davao City flood master plan
By Ivy Tejano
DIZON (DPWH FB)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte welcomed Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon’s commitment to include the Davao City Flood Master Plan in the proposed 2027 national budget.
The lawmaker thanked the DPWH Secretary for the commitment, saying that implementing the flood master plan would benefit not only current residents but also future generations of Davaoeños.
However, Duterte expressed caution about promises from the national government. He said Davao City residents have heard several commitments in the past that have yet to materialize.
Duterte urged Dizon to ensure that the flood master plan would move beyond announcements and result in actual projects and implementation.
He reminded the DPWH of another commitment regarding the Talomo River here, specifically the plan to raise the river dike by two meters.
Duterte said Davaoeños would closely monitor the projects' progress, stressing that public monitoring is part of government accountability.
“The people of Davao are not asking for anything impossible,” Duterte said. “What we are asking for is what was promised.”
He said that once funding is available, it should be released, while approved plans should be implemented and commitments fulfilled.
Duterte stressed that flooding in the city could not be addressed through press conferences and that government agencies must translate commitments into concrete action.
“We welcome your commitment, and we sincerely hope this becomes one of those rare occasions when a promise from Manila actually reaches Davao,” Duterte said.