Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Friday that he is visiting Catanduanes and Baler, Aurora to follow up on typhoon damage assessments after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent site inspections.
“The President saw firsthand the severe destruction caused by Typhoon Uwan yesterday and instructed me to go to the affected areas to ensure that infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges in coastal zones, are repaired as quickly as possible,” Dizon said.
“We will accelerate repair and clearing operations in these areas.”
In Baler, Aurora, Dizon noted the damage to coastal roads, including the Dipaculao Road, which was reopened on Wednesday morning but still requires further restoration.
“I need to personally ensure that repairs are completed quickly,” the secretary explained.
During the launch of Oplan Kontra Baha, Dizon emphasized the need for a unified, nationwide approach to flood prevention in Metro Manila. While private groups such as San Miguel Corporation and Metro Pacific have implemented flood control measures, the President observed that these efforts were fragmented and lacked coordination.
“The government, through the DPWH, MMDA, local governments, and private partners, is now consolidating these efforts. The President stressed that our programs must be simultaneous, long-term, and comprehensive,” Dizon explained.
He added that President Marcos plans to launch the anti-flood program next week in Cebu, with other regional rollouts to follow.
On another front, Dizon disclosed that the administration is moving forward with legal action against officials accused of graft and corruption in relation to the anomalous flood control projects.
“The President has ordered that those who stole public funds face justice. Around 40 individuals are set to be charged in cases filed by the Ombudsman, including former Representative Zaldy Co and others involved in cases in Oriental Mindoro and Bulacan. This is just the beginning, but at least 40 of them will face imprisonment,” he said.
