NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DPWH To Prioritize Completing Old Projects Before Starting New Ones
Photo credit: DPWH
The government is pressing the reset button on how infrastructure is planned and funded. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has made it clear: unfinished projects take priority over new proposals.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure long-delayed or stalled infrastructure works are completed on schedule, making sure public funds provide tangible benefits to communities.
During an inspection of the Loing and Caraboan bridges in Piddig, Secretary Dizon said that no new projects will be approved until existing projects nationwide are fully funded and on track. He emphasized that projects already started must be prioritized.
Addressing Delays
The directive comes amid concerns over unfinished government projects. Reports show that only 22 out of 1,700 classrooms planned for 2025 had been completed as of late last year, with hundreds more still ongoing or not yet started despite funding allocations. Local officials have also raised issues over stalled roads and bridges affecting traffic and local economies.
Improving Accountability
Secretary Dizon has taken steps to strengthen accountability within DPWH. Several officials in Pampanga were relieved from their posts over alleged irregularities, including kickbacks, with investigations and possible charges underway.
The department is also moving forward with major infrastructure priorities, including inspections of the Maharlika Highway ahead of planned rehabilitation projects, addressing long-standing road deterioration nationwide.
Transparency Initiatives
To increase transparency and public oversight, the government recently launched the DPWH Transparency Portal, which allows citizens to track infrastructure projects by location, contractor, and progress, and even report issues. Officials say this will help curb corruption and reduce “ghost” projects.
Analysts say focusing on completing existing projects could improve value for money and boost public confidence, supporting broader efforts to make government spending more efficient.
For now, DPWH’s approach is clear: finish what has already started before pursuing new projects.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure long-delayed or stalled infrastructure works are completed on schedule, making sure public funds provide tangible benefits to communities.
During an inspection of the Loing and Caraboan bridges in Piddig, Secretary Dizon said that no new projects will be approved until existing projects nationwide are fully funded and on track. He emphasized that projects already started must be prioritized.
Addressing Delays
The directive comes amid concerns over unfinished government projects. Reports show that only 22 out of 1,700 classrooms planned for 2025 had been completed as of late last year, with hundreds more still ongoing or not yet started despite funding allocations. Local officials have also raised issues over stalled roads and bridges affecting traffic and local economies.
Improving Accountability
Secretary Dizon has taken steps to strengthen accountability within DPWH. Several officials in Pampanga were relieved from their posts over alleged irregularities, including kickbacks, with investigations and possible charges underway.
The department is also moving forward with major infrastructure priorities, including inspections of the Maharlika Highway ahead of planned rehabilitation projects, addressing long-standing road deterioration nationwide.
Transparency Initiatives
To increase transparency and public oversight, the government recently launched the DPWH Transparency Portal, which allows citizens to track infrastructure projects by location, contractor, and progress, and even report issues. Officials say this will help curb corruption and reduce “ghost” projects.
Analysts say focusing on completing existing projects could improve value for money and boost public confidence, supporting broader efforts to make government spending more efficient.
For now, DPWH’s approach is clear: finish what has already started before pursuing new projects.
Feb 13, 2026
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