OVER the past several years, Ilocos Norte has reportedly received close to ₱10 billion in funding for flood control initiatives — an extraordinary investment meant to safeguard communities from increasingly destructive storms and rising waters.
These projects are not just public works. They are a measure of public trust. Every peso spent reflects a promise: that the government will protect lives, property, and livelihoods with competence and care.
But that promise must be matched by accountability.
One recent project has stirred concern: a ₱47,024 704.34 million flood control structure along the Padsan River in Barangay Gabu, Laoag City, which allegedly showed signs of structural issues within months of its completion.
Though no official findings have been released, the incident has prompted understandable questions from the public.
According to publicly available information, the project was implemented by RA Pahati Construction & Supply, Inc., under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
In the absence of clear answers, residents are left wondering: Was the project adequately supervised? Were materials up to standard? Was public money spent wisely?
This is precisely the kind of case that the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)—established through Executive Order No. 94 — is empowered to examine.
The commission’s mandate includes reviewing projects where questions of quality, transparency, or fund utilization have been raised.
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson recently remarked that Ilocos Norte’s flood control projects might also merit review. It’s a fair point — and one many citizens quietly share.
Ilocos Norte, home to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senator Imee Marcos and Representative Sandro Marcos, is in a unique position to lead by example.
A call for voluntary audit or independent review would not be an admission of failure — it would be a bold affirmation of public accountability.
Leadership means not waiting for controversy to escalate. It means opening the books before questions become crises.
Ilocos Norte has the opportunity to show the nation what good governance truly looks like: transparent, accountable and unafraid of scrutiny — because it has nothing to hide.
