BAGUIO CITY, Philippines, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon visited the landslide-hit area in Baguio City on Friday, August 21, alongside Mayor Benjamin Magalong to inspect the damage and evaluate immediate steps to safeguard residents. The inspection centered on securing funding for emergency response efforts and implementing slope protection works in the affected region. This visit comes amid ongoing concerns over infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness in mountainous areas prone to landslides. The landslide occurred in the Guisad Surong area, where heavy rainfall triggered soil erosion and destabilized slopes, resulting in partial collapse and damaging nearby homes and roads. Local authorities have since prioritized stabilizing the site and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. Dizon emphasized the need for rapid intervention and long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. His presence underscored the government's commitment to addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities in high-risk zones. The inspection was part of broader discussions on improving disaster risk reduction strategies. Officials acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change and increasing weather extremes, which have intensified the frequency and severity of natural disasters. The DPWH has been working closely with local governments to enhance early warning systems and improve land-use planning to mitigate risks. However, experts warn that without sustained investment in resilient infrastructure, such events could become more frequent and devastating. In parallel, the DPWH has submitted a comprehensive budget proposal for fiscal year 2027, requesting a total of P643.95 billion. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, reflecting the department’s focus on expanding critical infrastructure projects. Of the requested amount, P176.6 billion is allocated for the Network Development Program, primarily targeting road improvements and connectivity enhancements. This initiative aims to boost economic activity and improve mobility across key regions. A substantial portion of the budget, P572.92 billion, is directed toward six core programs, including flood management and disaster mitigation. The flood management program, which previously received one of the largest shares of the DPWH’s budget, is now seeking P103.5 billion. This reflects a shift in priorities following a major corruption scandal in 2025, which led to the suspension of several flood control projects and increased oversight of the agency’s spending practices. Regional allocations within the DPWH’s budget reveal notable disparities. Central Luzon is projected to receive the highest share at P17.42 billion, followed by Calabarzon at P16.09 billion and Metro Manila at P10.35 billion. These figures highlight the strategic emphasis on developing key economic hubs while also addressing urgent needs in densely populated urban centers. The remaining portions of the budget are distributed to other regions based on their developmental requirements and infrastructure gaps. The proposed budget includes significant investments in capital outlays, with P481.62 billion designated for constructing and maintaining physical assets such as roads, flood control structures, and public buildings. Additionally, P4.53 billion is allocated for personnel costs, while P23.87 billion is intended for operational expenses, including maintenance and administrative functions. These figures illustrate the scale of the DPWH’s operations and the financial commitments required to sustain its mandate. The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to review the DPWH’s budget proposal on August 26. If approved, the funding would enable the implementation of numerous infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing national connectivity and disaster resilience. However, critics remain cautious, noting that historical discrepancies between proposed and actual approvals have raised questions about the feasibility of meeting all targets. Despite these concerns, the DPWH continues to push forward with its plans, emphasizing the importance of timely action in addressing pressing infrastructure and environmental challenges.
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