DPWH announces up to 75% cut in building material costs

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced a significant reduction in the costs of various building materials, with some prices slashed by as much as 75%.

This reduction follows admissions from former DPWH officials about price inflation and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to combat corruption in infrastructure projects.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon stated that these price cuts are expected to generate at least P60 billion in savings for the 2026 budget.

For example, the price of asphalt and hot mix in the MIMAROPA region was reduced from P23,659 per metric ton to P5,937, an approximate 75% decrease, with similar overpricing noted in Regions III, NCR, and IV-A.

Dizon emphasized that such overpricing has been a practice for decades, but the DPWH is now taking action to minimize opportunities for corruption.

The DPWH is continuing its review and adjustment of costs for various projects, including classrooms and roads, with finishing materials like paint also slated for evaluation.