Tacloban: At least PHP53.36 billion in funds have been allocated since 2023 for the implementation of 700 flood control projects in the Eastern Visayas region, which will be subject to monitoring as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, data from the Regional Development Council (RDC) showed that of the total projects, 435 have been completed, 216 are ongoing, and 49 have not yet started as of June 2025. These projects are being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office and its 14 district engineering offices across six provinces.
Based on the report presented by DPWH during the 2nd quarter RDC-Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee meeting, some PHP13.35 billion was set aside in 2023 for 232 flood mitigation projects. Only five are ongoing, while the rest have been completed. In 2024, the region received a PHP26.57 billion outlay for 286 flood control structures, with 208 completed, 77 ongoing, and one yet to start. This year, the region is a recipient of PHP13.43 billion worth of flood mitigation projects, with 134 ongoing and 48 not yet commenced.
Top DPWH officials in Eastern Visayas were not available for interviews following the President's 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. During his SONA, Marcos directed the DPWH to submit a list of flood control projects constructed since the start of his administration in 2022. The President also ordered the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) to review flood control projects and identify those that failed, are unfinished, or are suspected to be ghost projects.
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Meylene Rosales, the RPMC chair, stated they are ready to heed the President's directive despite limited resources. "We wait for more guidance from our central office since the RPMC is very lean in size. We still must iron out our operational concerns," Rosales told the PNA.
The RPMC, composed of RDC members from both government agencies and the private sector, monitors, evaluates, and formulates recommendations on the implementation of development plans and programs in the region. "RPMC activities are a pain in the neck because we are trying to solve problems. The public is assured that there's no whitewashing of facts," Rosales said.
For 2025, the Eastern Visayas RPMC has been monitoring 1,136 projects worth PHP94.5 billion being carried out by 11 government agencies. The majority, or 1,085, of these projects are being implemented by DPWH. Executive Order 93 issued in 1993 mandates the RPMC to monitor all foreign-assisted projects, interprovincial projects, area development projects, nationally funded and locally funded projects, and other projects considered critical by the Office of the President and the RDC.
