Photo source: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday visited Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte to inspect infrastructure projects and determine ways to accelerate their completion.
The visit followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to inspect and assess the condition of infrastructure nationwide.
Dizon grew irate after finding the Maasin and Asinan bridges in Pilar still unfinished despite being started in 2021 and declared completed in 2022.
He also expressed disappointment upon seeing that a flood control project in Barangay Tuburan, Del Carmen, reported at 95 percent completion, was in reality only around 35 percent done.
The secretary ordered the immediate completion of the stalled projects.
He also directed an investigation into the causes of the delays.
The contractor behind the projects is reportedly linked to Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco “Bingo” Matugas.
Dizon earlier vowed strict enforcement of project monitoring under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The inspection was part of broader efforts to ensure accountability in local infrastructure works.
Dizon said the agency would continue verifying all reported completion rates across the country.