By Rovinel P. Caballero, Regional Correspondent

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The Bulacan Provincial Government has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to provide a comprehensive update on hundreds of unfinished national infrastructure projects in the province, including roads, school buildings, and flood control facilities.

In a privilege speech delivered during a Provincial Board session on July 28, Vice Governor Alex Castro has called on the DPWH to immediately account for the status of pending projects amid concerns over delayed infrastructure development.

During the hearing, officials from the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) disclosed that 603 infrastructure projects within their jurisdiction remain unfinished.

The agency said it is implementing a directive from the DPWH Secretary to prioritize the completion of all funded and ongoing projects before undertaking new ones.

To strengthen long-term infrastructure planning, the DPWH 1st DEO also announced a proposed ₱200-million allocation in its fiscal year 2027 budget for a feasibility study that will serve as the basis for a comprehensive infrastructure master plan covering the district’s 13 cities and municipalities.

DPWH officials said they are coordinating with local government units (LGUs), adding that development plans submitted by several LGUs are already being incorporated into ongoing infrastructure projects.

Castro also underscored the need for a unified regional approach to flood control, urging the inclusion of the proposed Regional Mega Dike project championed by Governor Daniel Fernando together with the governors of Bataan and Pampanga.

The vice governor said the initiative is essential to building an integrated flood defense system for Central Luzon.

He likewise called for stricter oversight in the turnover of completed infrastructure projects, stressing that LGUs should actively participate in inspections and formal acceptance procedures rather than merely being informed after project completion to ensure quality and accountability.