Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon expressed dismay over flood control projects in Bauang, La Union, describing some as “super substandard.”
During his inspection of nine projects in Barangay Acao on Tuesday, Dizon noted that the materials used were of poor quality. “Kinabit lang eh! Props lang (they just put it there. Just props),” he said. He also found that a project reported as “completed” in March is still under construction. The projects include flood mitigation structures along the Bauang River Basin (Phases 5 and 6).
Dizon was joined by Baguio City Mayor and Independent Commission for Infrastructure Special Adviser Benjamin Magalong. The inspection follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to continue checking flood-mitigation projects nationwide, amid reports of anomalies in several billion-peso projects.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) pledged full cooperation in securing ongoing DPWH inspections. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units nationwide are ready to safeguard both personnel and projects.
“The entire Philippine National Police stands united behind the President’s call for transparent and accountable infrastructure development. Our primary duty is to safeguard the people and the projects that will protect our communities from flooding,” Nartatez said. He added that regional and local police offices have been instructed to work closely with DPWH teams and local governments to ensure smooth and secure site visits.
“We are one with the government in keeping these initiatives safe. Every flood-control project that shields our communities deserves full protection,” he added.