Newly appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Giovanni Banoy Lopez said he is “anxious but hopeful” about his new role, as he vowed to institutionalize reforms and accelerate fund disbursements following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Lopez said he spoke with the President over the weekend before his transfer from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to the DPWH.
“The reforms na sinimulan po nila ni Secretary Vince [Dizon] na permanent po talaga. Kahit na sinungo po sa Malacañang, kahit sinungo po mga secretary, ay kailangan po in place na yung mga reformang ginawa nila,” Lopez said, explaining the President’s instructions.
Lopez also identified low fund disbursement as one of the administration’s priorities, stressing the need to boost infrastructure spending to support economic growth.
He said he was scheduled to meet with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman’s successor, Secretary Rolando Toledo, to program the funding requirements and increase disbursements for October, November, and December.
“We need to help the economy. Kailangan talaga ng infrastructure spending,” Lopez said, adding that contractors with complete documentation and delayed projects should be paid.
The new DPWH chief also emphasized the importance of starting early procurement activities for projects included in the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), provided they have no pending issues.
Lopez said the agency had already discussed its three-month disbursement program with former DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, regional directors, district engineers, and assistant district engineers.
He stressed that meeting the targets would require close monitoring and cooperation among DPWH officials.
Watch the full exclusive interview here:
