DPWH Aims to Finalize Nationwide Flood Control Project Audits by Early 2026
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced an ambitious timeline to complete the comprehensive inspection and audit of over 400 flood control projects spread across the Philippines. According to official statements, this critical validation process is targeted for conclusion by the first quarter of 2026.
Systematic Validation of Infrastructure Projects
Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III, the DPWH spokesperson for legal matters, provided detailed insights during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing on Friday, January 23, 2026. He emphasized that the department is currently engaged in a meticulous validation effort, which involves both physical inspections and thorough document audits of all 416 identified projects. This initiative originally commenced in 2025 and is now progressing steadily toward its scheduled completion.
Bernabe explained, "We are continuing our validation. We are conducting a thorough inspection and document audit of all 416 projects. This started last year and we expect to be completed by the first quarter of this year."
Enhanced Project Tracking with Coordinate Systems
A significant development in this year's audit process is the introduction of new methodologies for tracking project coordinates. Bernabe highlighted that projects now include precise station limits and corresponding coordinates directly in their titles. This innovation allows officials to immediately identify the exact geographical start and end points of each project, thereby improving transparency and accountability.
He elaborated, "For this year, when you look at the projects, the station limits are already there – the corresponding coordinates are already there. So, just from the title, we would know what are the coordinates of the project, from start to end."
Furthermore, any proposed changes to these coordinates must receive explicit approval from DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, ensuring strict oversight and adherence to planned specifications.
Strategic Shift Toward Completion and Future Planning
In a related update, Bernabe reported that the DPWH will not be initiating any new flood control projects in 2026. Instead, the department's primary focus remains on finalizing all ongoing and unfinished flood control initiatives. This strategic pause is intended to consolidate resources and ensure the successful completion of existing projects before embarking on new endeavors.
Looking ahead, the DPWH is already laying the groundwork for future infrastructure developments. Bernabe revealed that flood control experts are currently collaborating with Secretary Dizon to formulate a comprehensive masterplan for projects slated for implementation in 2027. This forward-thinking approach aims to ensure that all future flood control measures are needs-based and effectively address the Philippines' persistent challenges with flooding and typhoon-related calamities.
He stated, "That is why now our flood control experts are meeting with our secretary to come up with a flood control masterplan that we will use starting next year, moving forward, so that we can be sure that all the flood control projects that will be implemented are truly needs-based and will address our country's problems with flooding and mitigating calamities caused by typhoons."
Immediate Action on Critical Infrastructure in Pampanga
Meanwhile, Secretary Vince Dizon took proactive steps by inspecting the deteriorated Apalit Section of the MacArthur Highway and the Apalit-Macabebe Road in Pampanga. These vital roadways have been sources of significant inconvenience and severe traffic congestion for local residents over several years.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dizon promptly issued directives for their repair, with the work mandated to be completed before the onset of the rainy season. This swift response underscores the DPWH's commitment to addressing immediate infrastructure concerns while simultaneously managing long-term flood control strategies.
