NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DPWH Partners With Civic Groups To Strengthen Transparency And Protect Public Funds
Photo credit: DPWH
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is taking a whole-of-society approach to ensure public funds for infrastructure projects are carefully monitored and responsibly used.
At a signing ceremony this week, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon formalized a cooperation agreement with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Caritas Philippines, and Mayors 4 Good Governance (M4GG). The pact aims to involve civil society and private sector groups in overseeing government projects, giving citizens a more active role in safeguarding public resources.
“We need to ensure that every peso of the people’s money is properly accounted for. We still need to actively monitor and safeguard public funds,” Secretary Dizon said after the signing.
Why this matters
The initiative comes amid growing calls for transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending. In recent years, several high-profile projects, including flood control initiatives, have faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities, prompting public concern and official investigations.
By partnering with civic and private sector organizations, the DPWH hopes to:
• Boost transparency in planning and project implementation.
• Encourage citizen participation in monitoring and reporting delays or irregularities.
• Restore public trust in government management of taxpayer money.
Under the agreement, the signatories will share project information, support community-based monitoring, and invite observers from civic groups to help validate progress and compliance with standards.
Part of a broader transparency push
This partnership is part of the government’s larger strategy to embrace open, participatory governance. Similar initiatives under the current administration aim to allow citizens access to project data and encourage accountability across public agencies.
Supporters of the DPWH collaboration say opening the process to citizens creates a kind of “community watchdog,” helping prevent waste and corruption before problems escalate. Meanwhile, critics continue to call for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that public funds are used effectively.
For Secretary Dizon and his team, the message is clear: safeguarding public funds is a shared responsibility, and transparency starts when more people are invited inside the system.
At a signing ceremony this week, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon formalized a cooperation agreement with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Caritas Philippines, and Mayors 4 Good Governance (M4GG). The pact aims to involve civil society and private sector groups in overseeing government projects, giving citizens a more active role in safeguarding public resources.
“We need to ensure that every peso of the people’s money is properly accounted for. We still need to actively monitor and safeguard public funds,” Secretary Dizon said after the signing.
Why this matters
The initiative comes amid growing calls for transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending. In recent years, several high-profile projects, including flood control initiatives, have faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities, prompting public concern and official investigations.
By partnering with civic and private sector organizations, the DPWH hopes to:
• Boost transparency in planning and project implementation.
• Encourage citizen participation in monitoring and reporting delays or irregularities.
• Restore public trust in government management of taxpayer money.
Under the agreement, the signatories will share project information, support community-based monitoring, and invite observers from civic groups to help validate progress and compliance with standards.
Part of a broader transparency push
This partnership is part of the government’s larger strategy to embrace open, participatory governance. Similar initiatives under the current administration aim to allow citizens access to project data and encourage accountability across public agencies.
Supporters of the DPWH collaboration say opening the process to citizens creates a kind of “community watchdog,” helping prevent waste and corruption before problems escalate. Meanwhile, critics continue to call for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that public funds are used effectively.
For Secretary Dizon and his team, the message is clear: safeguarding public funds is a shared responsibility, and transparency starts when more people are invited inside the system.
Feb 23, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
