Camille Naredo

The DPWH starts the demolition of a 'substandard' dike in Bulacan, May 12, 2026. Handout/DPWH

Article (news)

DPWH

Andrea Taguines

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778581710878viber_image_2026-05-12_17-49-22-834.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The DPWH starts the demolition of a &#x27;substandard&#x27; dike in Bulacan, May 12, 2026. Handout/DPWH" width="960"/>The DPWH starts the demolition of a &#x27;substandard&#x27; dike in Bulacan, May 12, 2026. Handout/DPWH</div>MANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday began demolishing the allegedly substandard dike in Brgy. Calizon in Calumpit, Bulacan, to make way for a stronger and higher river control project.DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon led the inspection together with Calumpit Mayor Lem Faustino and oversaw the installation of 15-meter sheet piles into the flood control structure along the Bagbag River.“Ang gagawin natin dito, yung dati na ginawa na useless naman, gigibain natin yan, at gagawa tayo ng panibago. Gagawa tayo nang tama… Ampaw yung mga semento e. Ito yung mga nakita ni Presidente (Bongbong Marcos) na nadudurog sa kamay lang niya. Talagang substandard,” he said.The project, which was recently bid out for P600 million using the DPWH’s contingent funds for 2026, is expected to be completed by March 2027.Officials said the new flood control structure aims to protect around 3,000 residents in the barangay from severe flooding, with water levels sometimes reaching up to the ceilings of houses.Dizon added that criminal cases have already been filed against former engineers of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, including Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, as well as private contractors involved in the original project.“Iba-iba (yung contractors) e, may Discaya, may Wawao, may Syms— yung usual na mga nambaboy sa proyekto rito over the past years. May mga iba dito nakakulong na pero kailangan ngayon, solusyon na tayo… Hindi naman pwedeng forever na lang binabaha yung mga kababayan natin,” he added.The DPWH has also started dredging operations along the river as part of preparations for the rainy season.Faustino welcomed the agency’s initiatives, saying it’s a big departure from the previous DPWH leadership’s lack of coordination with the local government unit.“Kampante ako na this time magagawa na nang tama at mailalagay na yung pondo ng bayan sa tamang proyekto,” she said.<div> </div><div>54 HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED</div>Some residents who may be displaced by the new dike approached Dizon during the inspection to ask whether the project’s design could still be adjusted.Around 54 households are expected to be affected by the reconstruction.“Sana lang kung gagawa kayo, wala kayong masisira. Walang magagalit kung sa ilog kayo kakain… Kung kayo ang nakatira papayag ba kayo na masira? Pinag-ipunan namin yun,” said Irene Lanto.But Dizon explained that, based on assessments by experts including Project NOAH, clearing obstructions along the waterway is necessary to expand the river’s carrying capacity and reduce flooding risks. Still, the DPWH chief assured affected residents that the government would provide compensation and relocation assistance.“Nakita naman natin yung disgrasya sa Cebu. Yung mga bahay nasa loob ng no-build zone, katabi ng ilog, nung rumagasa ang Bagyong Tino, andaming nadisgrasya, na-wipe out lahat ng mga bahay. Hindi na natin pwedeng payagan yun kasi wala tayong kontrol sa klima,” stressed Dizon.“Bibigyan natin ng tamang compensation yung mga maaapektuhan, at ang NHA (National Housing Authority) dadalhin ko rin dito para mabigyan ng alternatibong pabahay,” he added.Local officials also vowed to help facilitate more dialogues with the community.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/12/dizon-vows-continued-push-for-accountability-in-flood-control-scandal-1251">Dizon vows continued push for accountability in flood control scandal amid Senate shake-up</a></div>

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday has began demolishing the allegedly substandard dike in Brgy. Calizon in Calumpit, Bulacan, to make way for a stronger and higher river control project.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday has began demolishing the allegedly substandard dike in Brgy. Calizon in Calumpit, Bulacan, to make way for a stronger and higher river control project.

DPWH starts demolition of ‘substandard’ Bulacan dike, vows stronger flood control project

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DPWH starts demolition of ‘substandard’ Bulacan dike, vows stronger flood control project

Andrea Taguines,

ABS-CBN News,

Published May 12, 2026 06:30 PM PHT

Read More:

substandard flood control project

DPWH

Calumpit

Bulacan

Vince Dizon

rainy season preparations

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