Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to complete the inspection and audit of the more than 400 flood control projects nationwide by the first quarter of 2026. The process of validating the projects began in 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH has been actively working on the validation, conducting thorough inspections and document audits of all 416 projects. Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III, DPWH spokesperson for legal matters, announced at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing that the department expects to complete this process by the first quarter of this year.

Bernabe mentioned that new processes are being introduced regarding the coordinates of projects. For this year, projects have their station limits and corresponding coordinates clearly defined, allowing for easier identification of project scopes just from their titles. He noted that any changes in coordinates would require approval from Secretary Vince Dizon.

Additionally, Bernabe reported that there are no new flood control projects this year, as the DPWH is concentrating on completing all unfinished projects. The department is also in the process of preparing a masterplan for projects slated for implementation in 2027. The aim is to ensure that future flood control projects are needs-based and effectively address issues related to flooding and typhoon-related calamities.

Meanwhile, Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the dilapidated Apalit Section of the MacArthur Highway and the Apalit-Macabebe Road in Pampanga, which have been causing inconvenience and heavy traffic for several years. Dizon has ordered immediate repairs to these roads before the onset of the rainy season.