Dizon seeks cut in P268-B flood control budget for 2026

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday, Sept. 5, called for a reduction in the P268-billion allocation for flood control projects under the agency’s proposed P880-billion budget for 2026.

- By TRIXEE ROSEL and ELLSON QUISMORIO

Flood control projects account for 32 percent of the DPWH’s total proposed budget for next year.

He made the call during a briefing before the House Committee on Appropriations, saying the reduction aims to eliminate redundant spending while prioritizing high-risk areas without compromising the needs of flood control projects.

"We need to start correcting the proposed DPWH budget with the errors pointed out by members of Congress, projects that are either completed but still funded, and double counting with multiple allocations for the same project, while also preventing unnecessary new projects and ensuring previously implemented projects are properly repaired and cleaned up," Dizon said. "We have seen how previously implemented projects need to be fixed. Additional budget should not be allocated where it is not needed."

House appropriations panel chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing said only flood control projects in areas identified as high-risk “red zones” under Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Standards of the UP Resilience Institute should be funded.

"Red zones are areas posing a high risk of fatalities, either due to deep floodwaters or strong water flow," Suansing explained. She added that only projects based on feasibility studies and endorsed by the Regional Development Council should be included in next year's budget.

Funds needed for flood-prone areas

During the panel briefing, House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep.