Automate project monitoring at DPWH

In the Senate probe into the flood control projects, it was disappointing to see the former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways unable to provide clear answers to several questions. The most alarming issue was the existence of ”ghost projects” in Bulacan, which he dismissed as “isolated.” This highlights a bigger problem: the DPWH does not appear to have a reliable, automated monitoring system.

Given the corruption allegations (ghost projects, substandard materials, and unfinished infrastructure), it is high time that the DPWH invests in an automated project monitoring platform. This digital system should track and store all key project data in real time: project descriptions, inputs, budgets, expenditures, outputs, beneficiaries, contractors, COA auditors, and DPWH staff involved.

The platform must cover every level of governance (barangay, municipal, provincial, regional, and national). It should also capture qualitative data such as issues encountered, delays, and discrepancies between planned and actual outputs.

With built-in functions, the system can generate consolidated weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports at the click of a button. Real-time dashboards would empower decision-makers to act fast, while public access could strengthen transparency and accountability.

Building such a system requires significant investment, training, and capacity building. But this is a necessary step if the DPWH is serious about eliminating ghost projects and preventing anomalies that have long undermined public trust.

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Crossing the line

A transparent and automated monitoring system will not just modernize the DPWH. It will help ensure that government funds truly serve the Filipino people.

Nono Felix,
felixnono9@gmail.com