Palaweños welcomed the decision of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to suspend all reblocking projects nationwide, saying it addresses a long-standing problem that has frustrated many communities.
Dizon announced on October 10 that all road reblocking activities will be stopped “indefinitely,” referring to the practice of demolishing roads that appear to be in good condition only to rebuild them again.
He explained that the issue has been raised by the public for decades.
“Ito tingin ko matutuwa kayo dito kasi kayo marami nang rinireklamo dito in the past. And this is with regard to re-blocking,” he said during a press conference.
“Naririnig ko na ito, elementary pa lang ako. Okay? Simula pa rin na nagkaroon ako ng isip, naririnig ko na ito. At sinasabi ng mga kababayan natin, bakit ba may mga kalye na maayos naman na tinitibag, sinisira, tapos gagawin ulit? Hindi ba? Di ba usong-uso yan? All over the country yan,” Dizon added.
He said a department order will be issued to put a stop to the practice, which he described as something that appears to be a money-making scheme.
“Kailangan may basis tayo at gawin nating transparent sa mga kababayan natin. Bakit tayo tumitibag ng mga kalye na mukha namang maayos pa? At bakit natin ginagawa yun ulit? So I want that to be clear, and I want that in a form of a DO, Department Order, na transparent,” he said.
The announcement was met with positive reactions from Palaweños, many of whom said they had long questioned why the government kept tearing up usable roads while neglected and dangerous ones were left untouched.
“Marami pong mga kalsadang sirang-sira na, hindi inaayos… Ang pinagdidiskitahan ay mga maayos na kalsada, binabakbak at gumagawa ng bago,” one commenter said.
“Ang ayos ng kalsada sisiraen nila ba ak atin tapos iiwan na nakatiwangwang,” another added.
Residents said the suspension could stop wasteful spending and ensure that public funds are used where they are most needed.
They said this is long overdue and suggested that future projects should focus on repairing roads that become dangerous during heavy rains and typhoons.
“Ayos na ayos, sisirain para gawin ulit. Mabuti ngayong tigil na yan, salamat, Sec. Dizon,” a local resident wrote.
“Ilaan nalang po sa mga kalsadang laging problema ng mga tao kasi kapag tag-ulan halos ‘di na madaanan ng mga sasakyan,” one resident said.
Several also called for more transparency and accountability in public works planning.
“Bakit tayo tumitibag ng mga kalye na mukha namang maayos pa?” a commenter asked, adding that they hope the suspension will lead to more responsible infrastructure spending.
