THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will begin releasing funds for infrastructure projects as a single lump sum instead of in tranches to prevent delays in implementation, Secretary Vince Dizon said.
In a press briefing, Dizon said the previous practice of staggered fund releases often resulted in stalled projects, notably the construction of classrooms, roads, bridges, and hospitals.
President Marcos has directed that all funds needed to complete priority projects by next year be fully included in the national budget, Dizon added.
“The President’s commitment is that whatever funds are needed to finish these projects by next year must already be provided in the budget,” he said.
On Tuesday, Dizon inspected the ongoing construction of several public hospital facilities to ensure they are completed on schedule.
Among these projects was the 20-storey Philippine Cancer Center (PCC) building in Quezon City which is targeted for completion by 2027.
The project was valued at P3.8 billion, but Dizon said it still lacks between P1.5 billion and P1.8 billion in funding.
“That funding gap needs to be requested immediately for 2027, and it will be one of our priorities,” he said.
Dizon also inspected the construction of a hemodialysis center at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, as well as two buildings at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
