PUBLIC Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon ordered over the weekend the completion of all pending and stalled infrastructure projects nationwide in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track ongoing works.
At the same time, Dizon ordered all contractors to immediately repair flood control projects found to be defective or not compliant with required standards as part of a "guarantee provision" which requires contractors to correct any deficiencies at their own expense.
“I told them not to propose new projects unless the unfinished ones are funded and completed first,” Dizon said following an inspection of a bridge project in Piddig, Ilocos Norte.
He stressed that projects already started must be prioritized to ensure public funds are properly utilized and used without delay.
Dizon said the president wants infrastructure delivered on time and within budget.
“We have to make sure that every peso spent translates into better roads, safer bridges and real economic opportunities for our people,” the DPWH chief said.
As to the flood control projects, Dizon said that several contractors have expressed willingness to undertake the necessary repairs in accordance with their contractual obligations.
The DPWH is also reviewing discrepancies involving certain projects in Bulacan province that were previously reported as “ghost projects” due to incorrect grid coordinates reflected in official records.
Grid coordinates are used to identify the precise location of infrastructure projects on maps and monitoring systems. Based on DPWH joint inspections conducted on site, some of the projects were confirmed to be physically present and operational. However, inaccuracies in the submitted location data caused confusion during validation.
Dizon said the department is continuing its verification of records and documentation to correct any data errors and clarify the status of the affected projects.
He said that the president ordered the organization and completion of projects that will help Ilocos and other regions as well, which are expected to boost tourism.
“La Union is one of the fastest growing provinces in the country, especially in tourism. And we really need all the support from Gov. Mario, Mayor Divine and the entire leadership of La Union. That is what the dear president really wants to happen,” the secretary said.
Some of the projects being targeted by the DPWH are the Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan Bypass Road and the Naguilian-Bagulin-Kapangan Road, both of which are expected to be completed by 2027.
The construction of the Rosario Bypass Road and TPLEX Extension is also being expedited, in partnership with the Department of Transportation and San Miguel Corporation.
