Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon admitted that delays in fund releases and inter-agency agreements between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the DPWH caused setbacks in the construction of classrooms this year.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Dizon confirmed that funds for several classroom projects were downloaded as late as August 2025, leaving DPWH little time to begin construction before the end of the year.
“That’s true, the memorandum of agreement between DPWH and DepEd was only signed in July. The funds followed late, around late August. That’s why many projects started late,” Dizon explained.
“But instead of pointing fingers, we’re now focused on finding solutions so this doesn’t happen again,” he added.
Dizon further echoes the sentiment that moving forward, both DPWH and DepEd must work together efficiently to accomplish more classroom and other construction projects within the agencies.
“We already have a catch-up plan with Secretary Sonny Angara to speed up the construction of classrooms that our students and teachers badly need,” he said.
“And because material costs have gone down, we’ll be able to build more classrooms, hospitals, and farm-to-market roads in the coming years,” Dizon added.
On Administrative Integrity and Leadership
When asked about the possible reinstatement of former Undersecretary Arrey Perez, who resigned amid corruption allegations but was later vindicated, Dizon praised Perez’s integrity.
“In government, it’s rare to see someone resign to avoid being a distraction. Usually, people cling to their positions. So we must recognize what he did—it’s admirable,” Dizon said, adding that Perez has since chosen to help the government through the private sector.
Addressing rumors that he might soon leave the DPWH after cleaning up the agency, Dizon said he would stay as long as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. needs him.
“I go where the President tells me to go. There’s still a lot to fix here at DPWH, especially when it comes to cleaning up old practices that have persisted for decades,” he said.
Finally, when asked about the progress of cases involving corruption in public works projects, Dizon assured that accountability will reach even high-profile figures.
“As the President said, wherever the evidence leads, we will go there—no matter who it is,” he stated.
“Within two months, many have already been charged, and the Ombudsman himself said some may spend Christmas in jail. And I don’t think they’ll just be small fish.”
On Monday, Dizon announced major reform measures aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of overpriced materials in government infrastructure projects, describing the move as “one of the single biggest reform in DPWH.”
