No ghost, substandard projects in Region 1, says DPWH head
AS the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) stands in the spotlight of public scrutiny following Senator Panfilo Lacson’s privilege speech on controversial flood control projects nationwide, the agency’s head in the Ilocos Region assured that all their undertakings are above board.
DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel Tan explained that projects are closely coordinated between the regional and district offices, with the latter ensuring proper implementation while the former oversees ongoing works.
“We’re very sure that we don’t have a ghost project here. Because everything we do in the regional office, the district engineer also accepts it. They are the end users in the area,” he told reporters in Pangasinan and La Union during a media briefing on August 27, 2025.
The DPWH official also dismissed assumptions that damaged flood-control structures point to corruption or substandard work. He attributed the damage to the severe impacts of typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides in recent years.
He also emphasized that contractors are required to repair any damage within the five-year warranty period after project completion, at no cost to the government.
On procurement, he underscored that only eligible bidders are allowed to participate.
He also pointed out that ongoing professional training of DPWH staff ensures adaptation to new technologies and climate change challenges.
The region has a P49.8-billion allocation this year for 2,148 projects, of which 145 have been completed, 1,716 are ongoing, and 287 have not yet started as of August 27.
“Our objective is to deliver to the people the infrastructure they need, in line with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to ease their lives,” Tan said. (Eva Visperas)
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