MANILA, Philippines — Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon wasted no time as he made several inspections on projects amid the rainy season, the latest of which was the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of the pothole-ridden Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT) Highway in Baliwag City, Bulacan.
Dizon conducted the inspection with Mayor Sonia Estrella to check the progress of the project, which was carried out in response to complaints about potholes along the highway, and ensure that the road is safe and passable for motorists and commuters.
The project also includes the expansion of drainage facilities to help reduce severe flooding in the area, which is considered the lowest portion along the DRT Highway, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief.
The inspection comes as the government continues to address road and drainage problems affecting motorists and commuters in flood-prone areas across the country.
Also in Bulacan, Dizon was accompanied by Calumpit Mayor Glorime Faustino as they boarded a boat to inspect ongoing flood control project along the Bagbag River in Barangay Calizon.
The top DPWH official said the Calumpit project involves replacing the existing dike, described as weak and inadequate, with a higher and more durable flood control structure designed to prevent the river from overflowing and reduce flooding risks in surrounding communities.
Dizon and Faustino inspected the structure from the river as part of efforts to check the progress and condition of flood control projects in areas vulnerable to flooding.
The Bagbag River project is expected to improve the area's flood protection once completed, the public works department said.
Dizon told The Manila Times that his series of inspections at the height of rainy season was in response to the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that flood control structures nationwide are properly built and maintained and provide adequate protection to communities during heavy rains and flooding.
“We really need to conduct regular inspections instead of staying inside the office because we must make sure that these projects are properly implemented and built to quality standards for public use,” he vowed.
