(Photo courtesy of PNA)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has pledged to complete unfinished road and drainage projects in Rizal province to ease traffic congestion and address recurring flooding in affected communities.
During an inspection Friday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon assessed the ongoing projects along Silangan-Pintong Bukawe Road and Patiis Road in San Mateo, assuring residents that construction would resume.
Dizon said completing the Silangan-Pintong Bukawe Road would provide an alternative route for motorists traveling from Antipolo, Baras, and Tanay toward Quezon City and Marikina, potentially reducing traffic congestion along Marcos Highway near Masinag.
He explained that the road remains disconnected because portions have yet to be paved, preventing motorists from fully utilizing the route.
The DPWH chief said he had instructed officials to determine the length of the unfinished section and calculate the funding needed to complete the project.
He emphasized that the initiative follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize unfinished infrastructure projects, particularly those nearing completion.
Meanwhile, Dizon also inspected the drainage project along Patiis Road, which drew public attention after floodwaters turned the road into a river during heavy rains.
According to Dizon, the drainage system remains ineffective because the pipes intended to channel floodwaters into the Marikina River have not been fully installed.
He said only 1.5 kilometers of the drainage system had been completed, leaving approximately 1.2 to 1.3 kilometers unfinished.
“The plan is good, but just like typical DPWH projects earlier — the project is left incomplete. As I’ve said, if a project isn’t finished, it doesn’t matter how good the plan is, it will be useless,” Dizon said.
Dizon disclosed that the drainage project, which began in 2023, was previously handled by contractors linked to the controversial Discaya couple.
He said construction reached only 50 percent completion before the contract was terminated.
The DPWH plans to conduct a new bidding process to utilize approximately Php 90 million in remaining project funds.
Dizon said the available budget could cover a substantial portion of the remaining work, requiring only limited additional funding to extend the drainage system to the Marikina River.
He stressed that completing the projects would maximize government investments while providing long-term benefits to residents and motorists.
Rizal 3rd District Representative Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. and other DPWH and local officials joined the inspection.
