DPWH Chief Dizon Takes Hard Stance Against Contractors for Substandard, Delayed Projects
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has issued a stern warning to contractors involved in substandard structures and projects funded through piecemeal allocations, stating that such practices will no longer be tolerated. This announcement came during his recent inspection visit to Pampanga, where he assessed several stalled infrastructure initiatives.
Inspection of Delayed Projects in Pampanga Highlights Ongoing Issues
During his visit, Dizon personally inspected key delayed projects, including the incomplete San Agustin Norte Bridge in Arayat and an unfinished section of McArthur Highway in Apalit. These sites exemplify the broader challenges faced in infrastructure development across the region.
The DPWH secretary emphasized that this crackdown aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure all transactions are legitimate and that projects undertaken by private contractors are fully completed. "Ang kwento paulit-ulit. Ito yung kwento sa Maharlika, ito yung kwento sa ibang mga project kagaya nung mga flyover, ito yung kwento sa mga tulay na bitin. Laging tingi-tingi yung pondo. Ito ang pinapabago ni Pangulong BBM. Kung meron tayong sisimulan, kailangan tapusin," Dizon stated, highlighting the recurring issue of fragmented funding and unfinished work.
Enhanced Monitoring and Commitment to Timely Completion
To address these concerns, Dizon revealed that young engineers have been deployed to closely monitor project implementation. Their role is to ensure that projects are completed within the year and that construction quality meets established standards.
Furthermore, Dizon committed to completing the two delayed projects in Pampanga within the current year. Specifically, the remaining road sections in Apalit are expected to be finished before the onset of the rainy season, aiming to minimize further disruptions and improve local infrastructure resilience.
This proactive approach underscores the DPWH's renewed focus on accountability and efficiency in public works, signaling a shift towards more rigorous oversight and timely project delivery nationwide.
