Bogo mayor: DPWH projects must secure approval

Local

THE mayor of Bogo City in northern Cebu reminded that infrastructure projects that will be undertaken must have proper coordination.

Mayor Maria Cielo A. Martinez has made it clear that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must first conduct consultations with the city government and secure approval from the Sangguniang Panlungsod before any infrastructure project can begin.

The move comes after past projects were implemented without proper coordination, leaving residents displaced and the local government unfairly blamed for delays and unfinished works.

With a recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake still fresh in memory and recovery efforts ongoing, city officials are insisting that national projects within Bogo’s jurisdiction proceed only with full planning, scheduling, and council oversight.

The Bogo City Government has formally requested the DPWH to adhere to these requirements before starting any projects under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

In a letter dated Jan. 21, 2026, addressed to DPWH Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Bringas Dizon, Martinez expressed appreciation for the national government’s allocation of projects, describing them as essential to the city’s rehabilitation following the earthquake and its aftershocks.

“These projects are critical in helping affected communities recover and restoring essential services and infrastructure in the city,” the mayor said

Martinez raised concerns over past DPWH projects in Bogo City, which she said lacked sufficient coordination with local officials.

She cited a road project in Barangay Malingin that required residents to relocate without prior discussion with the city government, leaving the local government to handle resettlement.

Another example cited in the mayor’s letter was the unfinished flood control project at Arroyo Creek in Barangay Taytayan.

The incomplete project drew criticism on social media and, according to Martinez, resulted in the local government being unfairly blamed for the stalled work.

She stressed that such situations could have been avoided through proper planning, coordination, and communication with the city.

To prevent similar issues, Martinez requested that DPWH conduct consultations with the city government and obtain Sangguniang Panlungsod approval before starting any project in Bogo City.

She referenced the Local Government Code, which mandates that national agencies must consult with local governments and secure approval from the appropriate Sanggunian before implementing projects, especially those that may require relocation of residents or significantly affect communities.

In addition, the mayor asked DPWH to provide a clearly defined schedule of implementation for all projects.

She said this schedule should include timelines from pre-procurement conferences, issuance of notices to proceed, and the execution phases of each project, including Gantt chart or PERT-CPM outlines.

Martinez emphasized that having such a schedule would allow the city government and the city council to participate meaningfully in planning, monitoring, and oversight, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and with transparency.

Martinez concluded that the City Government of Bogo formally objects to the implementation of any DPWH project within its jurisdiction until the requirements on consultation, council approval, and coordination under the Local Government Code are fully complied with.

The letter was also furnished to officials of the DPWH Cebu 4th District Engineering Office, including the Planning and Design Section, for proper action and compliance.

The Bogo City government’s stance mirrors similar decisions made by other local governments.

In December 2025, Danao City rejected several DPWH projects proposed for the year, citing a misalignment with the city’s priority infrastructure needs.

Mayor Nito Durano and Vice Mayor Ivy Durano emphasized that many proposed road projects targeted streets still in good condition, while more urgent projects, such as bridges and flood mitigation measures, remained unaddressed.

Danao City officials requested the national government to focus on projects critical to disaster risk reduction, public safety, and climate resilience rather than repairing roads that did not require major rehabilitation.

Danao was affected by the massive flooding brought by Typhoon Tino in September 2025, and was also rocked by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Bogo City that impacted northern Cebu.

By formally asserting its position, Bogo City joins other local governments in advocating for greater consultation, planning, and prioritization of national projects.(MyTVCebu)