DPWH’s proposed changes in 2027 budget include flood control projects – Dizon
MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is proposing changes to its 2027 budget worth around P20 billion, which will involve flood control projects, according to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.
However, Dizon stressed on Thursday that the institutional amendments involve other kinds of initiatives, such as bypass roads.
“Itong nakaraang habagat na mayroon po tayong mga nakitang mga importanteng mga proyekto na hindi po nakita nung isinumite ang mga proyektong nakapaloob sa NEP nung early part of this year… Ngayon po, nung nakita natin na kailangan ito, as long as kumpleto ang requirements nung mga proyektong ‘yun, kailangan po maging responsive din tayo sa mga immediate na pangangailangan. So marami dito ay mga importanteng mga proyektong nakita natin na kailangang kailangan talaga, lalo na dito sa nakikita nating mga naging epekto nitong nakaraang mga ulan lalo na sa mga areas na very vulnerable,” Dizon told reporters when asked about their proposed changes.
Dizon said it is possible the institutional amendments would exceed the amount of P20 billion.
When asked if the amendments would be go toward flood control projects, Dizon replied, “Hindi lahat. Mayroon din mga ibang mga bypass roads na dati, hindi pa kumpleto ang right-of-way clearances na ngayon, kumpleto na. So it’s really determining kung ano ‘yung pinakakailangan talaga ng ating mga communities at kung ano ‘yung mga pinaka-urgent.”
During plenary deliberations on the DPWH’s budget, Surigao del Sur 1st District Representative Romeo Momo Sr. said these institutional amendments to be submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations involve no requests for additional funding.
“Mayroon bang institutional amendments na ipapasok ang DPWH sa NEP proposal na ito?” ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio asked.
Momo replied, “Mayroon silang institutional amendments… to be submitted to the Committee on Appropriations.”
“Walang dagdag po. This is within the budget of the department,” Momo added.
The DPWH has a proposed budget of P643 billion for 2027 under the National Expenditure Program (NEP).