DPWH: No funding for new flood control projects

MANILA, Philippines — There is zero provision for new locally-funded flood control projects in the 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as the agency debunked reports that P2.49 billion has been allocated for such.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways clarifies that its proposed 2026 budget contains no funding for new locally-funded flood control projects,” it said in a statement.

The DPWH said the P2.49-billion allocation is meant for maintenance and other operating expenses of existing flood control projects, including the national’s government Oplan Kontra Baha program.

The agency said the funds will support declogging, desilting, dredging, repair and clearing operations of waterways and drainage systems nationwide.

“The department is committed to maximizing these resources to mitigate flooding risks despite the fiscal constraints,” it said.

The zero funding for new flood control projects is in compliance with President Marcos’ directive to streamline the DPWH’s expenditures.

The DPWH made the clarification in response to news reports it has been allocated P2.49 billion for flood-control and drainage systems, structures and other related facilities to be implemented in 18 regions in the country.

The agency has been under scrutiny due to ghost and substandard flood control projects wherein billions of taxpayers’ money were reportedly stolen.