OCULAR INSPECTION. Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon (left) inspects the unfinished Cabaroan Bridge in Piddig, Ilocos Norte on Friday (Feb. 13, 2026). He assured the allocation of an additional PHP85 million to finish three unfinished bridges in the town within this year. (PNA photo by Leilanie Adriano)
PIDDIG, Ilocos Norte – Three unfinished bridges here are targeted for completion this year, with a proposed PHP85-million funding augmentation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon shared the development after the inspection of infrastructure projects Friday.
Dizon initially examined the Loing-Mangitayag Bridge, which is partly finished but has a complete board pile foundation.
The project is a multi-year initiative spanning some 61 meters, with the initial phase commencing in 2025.
He also visited the unfinished Cabaroan Bridge, where bored pile foundations were being constructed, and the Estancia Bridge, with its approach yet to be constructed.
As instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Dizon said all pending DPWH projects must be completed this year to ensure the agency can allocate resources effectively and prioritize projects.
“That’s why today, I told them, you are not allowed to propose anything new until the unfinished ones are funded,” he said.
“I really don’t understand it either. Because for me, it’s common sense, right? If you started something, that’s your priority. Finish that [project] first.”
Like in other areas he visited, Dizon identified the same problem: A backlog of incomplete projects.
To resolve such issues here, DPWH will allocate an additional PHP85 million to ensure that the three unfinished bridges here will be completed this year.
He likewise urged the public to report unfinished projects in their areas through https://sumbongsapangulo.ph/.
The “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website was created after the fourth State of the Nation Address in 2025 to investigate irregularities in flood control projects. (With a report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
