Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is pursuing a strategy to lower the prices of construction materials used in government projects, including infrastructure initiatives directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced during a press conference on Monday that the department will address overpricing by aligning material costs with current market rates. This initiative forms part of a broader reform within the agency aimed at reducing inflated project expenses.

Dizon identified cement, asphalt, sand, steel sheet piles, gravel, and steel bars as priority materials for price reduction. He stated that this measure will be implemented for projects scheduled in 2026, as well as some current-year projects that have not yet been awarded.

The reform could potentially save the government PHP60 billion in the upcoming national budget. Dizon highlighted that the cost savings could translate into an additional 1,600 kilometers of concrete roads and 1,000 kilometers of asphalt roads. Earlier directives from the President instructed the DPWH to halve material costs without sacrificing structural quality.

In a related development, the DPWH and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday to enhance project transparency and monitoring. The agreement, signed by Dizon and PhilSA Office in Charge Gay Jane Perez, will utilize PhilSA’s satellite technology to track ongoing projects until their completion.

Dizon emphasized the significance of the partnership with PhilSA, noting its potential to improve project monitoring and transparency through advanced technology.