Outgoing Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has urged his successor, Giovanni Lopez, to closely monitor Bulacan, citing the province’s persistent flooding despite billions of pesos allegedly spent on flood control projects.
“Please pay very, very close attention to Bulacan kasi nakakaawa po talaga Bulacan,” Dizon said during a joint press briefing on Tuesday, October 27, as he formally turned over his responsibilities to Lopez.
Dizon identified Hagonoy, Bulacan, as a major concern, saying substantial amounts had been allocated for projects in the area, yet residents continued to suffer from severe flooding even during sunny weather.
“Hagonoy ‘yan, epicenter. Bilyon-bilyon nilagay ng mga Discaya diyan, nina Zaldy Co diyan, ng kung sino diyan, pero grabe ang hirap ng mga tao diyan. Grabe. Kahit umaaraw, baha diyan,” he said.
Dizon also highlighted the performance of the Iba Pumping Station in Hagonoy, saying it had helped prevent flooding among residents for the first time despite continuous rainfall.
“Pwede namang maayos eh. Basta may malasakit, basta tutukan, basta huwag nanakawin,” he said.
During the briefing, Dizon handed over documents to Lopez, emphasizing the need to review personnel and address alleged corruption within the department.
“Kita niyo ’to? Ito ang ipapasa ko kay Sec. B ngayon. Imbes na flag, ito ang ipapasa ko sa kanya. Sec. B, ikaw na ang bahala sa mga ’yan. Tanggalin mo lahat ng mga ’yan in the next few weeks, reviewhin mo na lang,” Dizon said.
“Sorry ganun talaga. We have to get rid of the rotten apples and protect the good ones. No choice diyan,” he added.
The turnover followed the latest Cabinet reshuffle, which saw Dizon return as secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), while Lopez was appointed to lead the DPWH.
