DPWH bans construction of add'l offices in favor of schools

To ensure enough resources for school buildings and flood control structures, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has imposed a ban on the construction of DPWH offices and facilities. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson issued Department Order 66, banning construction of new DPWH guest houses, buildings and other facilities, especially in compounds of the department's regional and district offices. “We must assure that every centavo of the government funds will be allocated to priority projects that are specifically designed to benefit the general public such as flood control structures and school building projects." Singson said in an article posted on the DPWH website. Singson also instructed all officials and employees not to solicit funds from members of Congress and other government and private agencies. On the other hand, "necessary" repairs and improvements of existing facilities are allowed subject to availability of Engineering and Administrative Overhead (EAO) fund of the office concerned. The DPWH Committee on Office Improvements and on the Transfer of Offices will review the requirements of all DPWH Offices that are needed to be repaired. - KBK, GMANews.TV