The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte launched an inspection of several road projects in Samal Island on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and found a project where expenses were deemed ‘excessive.’
Governor Edwin Jubahib led the inspection, starting with the project on Babak-Samal-Kaputian Road in Sitio San Agustin, Barangay Del Monte.
Based on documents obtained by Jubahib, the project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), cost P95 million and was reported completed in November 2024.
However, the governor expressed dismay, noting that the asphalt overlay appeared thin and the expenses were excessive.
“Kanina, nasa computation natin nasa 28 million per kilometer ang asphalt overlay na ito’y three inches lang. Samantala sa project ng province nasa halagang 25 million 11 inches yon at ang daming preparation na gawin very excessive ‘yung price,” Jubahib said.
He said that an asphalt overlay was unnecessary since the road was not damaged.
“Sayang ang proyekto ginawang asphalt overlay bilang governor andito rin ang mayor at konsehal alam naman natin na walang sira itong roads dito sana ginawang concrete project na lang sa ibang city road na hindi pa kongkreto,” Jubahib added.
GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the contractor for a statement, as of this writing.
Officials also inspected another section of Babak-Samal Kaputian Road in Barangay Anonang, which is currently suspended due to road right-of-way issues.
The P95 million project, which began in August 2024, is still only 49 percent complete.
“Nagtaka ako existing national road na ito circumferential road ng IGACOS bakit magkaroon pa ng problema sa road right-of-way. Tingnan ko bakit sobrang delayed ang project na ito,” Jubahib said.
At least eight projects in Samal Island, with a combined value of more than P500 million, are subject for inspection.
The provincial government said it would forward its assessment and report to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation.
“Kailangan talaga maimbestigahan to lahat magkaroon ng penalty ang mga gumagawa nito maibalik ang pera ng taumbayan kailangan i-repair nila itong mga kalsada na walang cost,” Jubahib added.
GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the DPWH for a statement, as of this writing.
