CALUMPIT, Bulacan — Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has instructed newly appointed officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways–Bulacan First District Engineering Office (DPWH-Bulacan First DEO) to immediately close gaps in unfinished dike and flood control projects across the province, citing the urgent need to protect communities from recurring floods.
Dizon accompanied the new officials on their first day at the DPWH-Bulacan First DEO office in Barangay Tikay, Malolos City, where he underscored the importance of integrity and accountability in public service. He warned against repeating alleged irregularities linked to previous management and urged the team to resist any form of corruption.
During the visit, Dizon also met with Monsignor Pablo Legaspi of the Holy Spirit Parish under the Diocese of Malolos, who formally handed over a petition from several homeowners’ associations. The petition called for the expedited completion of two water interceptor projects along Manila North Road, which residents say are critical to easing persistent flooding in nearby communities.
To kick off the new leadership’s mandate, Dizon led an inspection of an unfinished dike along the Pampanga River in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit. The site gained national attention after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conducted a surprise inspection there following severe flooding caused by Typhoon Crising in July 2025.
During the presidential visit, the flood control project was found to have been declared complete despite remaining unfinished. The discovery triggered a broader, nationwide review of flood control projects across the country.
The Bulusan dike has since been identified as the first officially confirmed “ghost” flood control project in the past three years. Dizon said its resumption and completion should be treated as a top priority among all flood control initiatives in Bulacan.
Acknowledging the continued impact of flooding on Bulacan residents, Dizon assured the public that funds for completing the stalled dike projects would be drawn from the agency’s savings under the 2025 national budget. He said the department is committed to ensuring that flood mitigation projects deliver their intended protection and are completed without further delay.
