Dizon: Future flood control projects to be done according to plan, closely monitored

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Sunday said future flood control projects will be done according to plan and will be closely monitored.

“Kung gagawa man tayo ng flood control (projects), iaaayon natin sa mga planong nandiyan na at babantayan talaga natin para magawa ng tama. Kasama diyan sa Iligan ang gagawin natin,” Dizon said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(If we are to construct flood control projects, we will align them with existing plans and closely monitor the work to ensure these are done properly. This includes the projects we will implement in Iligan.)

“Gagamitin din natin ang pagkakataong ito na planuhin nang tama para pagdating ng 2027, totodo na tayo sa pagpapagawa ng mga istrukturang kailangan ng mga flood prone area,” he added.

(We will take this chance to plan these projects thoroughly so that when 2027 comes, we can begin constructing in flood-prone areas.)

Dizon said some parts in Mindanao, particularly in Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, and Maguindanao need flood control projects since these are flood-prone areas.

Rains from tropical cyclone Basyang caused flooding in many areas in Visayas and Mindanao in the past few days.

"Mabigat talaga ang pinsalang dinala nitong bagyong Basyang (Basyang caused heavy damage)," Dizon said.

Dizon also pointed out that it is time for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to submit all the information and evidence gathered from its investigation to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"I think panahon na para ipasa [ng ICI] ang lahat para makuha na ng DOJ at ng Ombudsman lahat ng ebidensya para makapagfile na mas maraming pang kaso laban mga nasa likod nito korupsyon," Dizon said. 

(I think its time for the ICI to submit all pieces of evidence to the DOJ and the Ombudsman so that they could file more charges on those involved in corruption.)

He said the Ombudsman and DOJ need these documents in order to file charges against those involved in corruption.

In the proposed P6.793-trillion budget signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for 2026, P2.49 billion was allotted for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) of existing flood control and drainage systems, structures, and other related facilities.

The DPWH said no funding for new locally-funded flood control projects was included in its proposed budget for 2026, in line with Marcos' directive to streamline the agency’s expenditures. —KG/RF, GMA Integrated News