MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) clarified that its proposed 2026 budget does not include funding for new locally-funded flood control projects, in line with the President’s directive to streamline agency expenditures.

The department said the proposed ₱2.49 billion allocation is intended for the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of existing flood-control projects and programs, including the government’s Oplan Kontra Baha initiative.

“These funds will support essential declogging, desilting, dredging, repair, and clearing operations to ensure the functionality of waterways and drainage systems nationwide, as well as other maintenance requirements of existing flood control-related projects,” the DPWH said in a statement.

The agency emphasized its commitment to maximizing these resources to mitigate flooding risks despite fiscal constraints.