Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has reaffirmed the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure at the “right price,” echoing the direct mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize durability and fiscal responsibility.
In a recent statement, Secretary Dizon emphasized that the agency is debunking the myth that speed and quality must come at an exorbitant cost.
“It is possible to be at the right price, it is possible to be fast, and it is possible to maintain excellent quality,” Secretary Dizon stated. “These are not mutually exclusive goals; they are the standard our public deserves.”
The DPWH is set to use its successful post-disaster rehabilitation efforts as the primary blueprint for all future projects. By benchmarking standard road, bridge, and hospital construction against the efficiency seen during emergency responses, the department aims to institutionalize a culture of “speed with integrity.”
“Our priority now is to replicate the agility we demonstrated during typhoons and earthquakes. That will be our mantra for the coming years,” the Secretary added.
Secretary Dizon highlighted several recent projects that serve as proof of concept for this streamlined approach:
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Piggatan Detour Bridge (Alcala, Cagayan): Successfully completed and opened in just 60 days.
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Cebu Provincial Hospital (Bogo City): Swift repairs of structural damage, including the deployment of “smart city” technologies and emergency tents.
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Educational Facilities (Masbate): Rapid renovation of school buildings damaged by Typhoon Opong.
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Bukidnon-Davao (BuDa) Road: Restoration of the collapsed section in Sitio Kipolot is on track for completion by January 6.
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San Juanico Bridge (Tacloban City): Now partially opened to heavy vehicles as construction continues toward full restoration.
The DPWH remains dedicated to ensuring that every peso of the national budget translates into resilient structures that can withstand the Philippines’ unique climate challenges. Through better price monitoring and rigorous quality control, the department aims to build a more connected and disaster-resilient nation.
