DPWH Slashes ₱255-B from 2026 Budget, Drops Local Flood Control Projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) proposed a major revision of its 2026 budget after a recent review, slashing over ₱255 billion from its original ₱881.3 billion proposal. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon disclosed that the revised budget now stands at ₱625.78 billion, reflecting a 28.99% reduction.

The biggest component of the cuts was the removal of locally funded flood control projects, totaling about ₱252 billion a move in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive. DPWH emphasized that it was also addressing issues in the initial budget proposal such as funding for already completed, duplicate, or questionable projects.

In place of the slashed flood control budget, the government plans to reallocate funds to programs in Agriculture, Education, Health Care, Housing, Labor, Social Welfare, and Information Technology sectors. While foreign-assisted flood control projects (such as the Pasig-Marikina Rehabilitation Project) will continue under existing commitments, locally funded flood mitigation efforts are being shelved.

The budget revision has drawn pushback from several members of Congress. One representative, Edgar Erice, warned that zeroing out flood control funds could leave many communities vulnerable to flooding next year, especially those long awaiting projects such as dredging in Caloocan. Another lawmaker, Rufus Rodriguez, noted cuts even to bypass road projects in his district, asking for reinstatement. 

DPWH defended the changes by saying that many flood control initiatives were already being addressed in the 2024-2025 budgets and that priority should be given to completing ongoing projects.  Secretary Dizon submitted the revised budget to House leaders following the review. The fate of the removed funds and whether they might be partially restored by Congress will be closely watched