Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines| August 26, 2025— The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Engineer (OPE), has assured the public that there are no ghost projects in the province
Provincial Engineer Lloyd M. Esparagosa gave the assurance during the weekly flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol on Tuesday, stressing that all infrastructure projects are implemented in accordance with approved plans, programs of work, and allocated budgets.
The statement came amid questions raised at the national level, with Senate and House investigations into the implementation of projects in some provinces, particularly flood control initiatives. Concerns over so-called “ghost projects” and possible overpricing have circulated in public discussions, prompting the OPE to clarify and reaffirm the province’s commitment to transparency in infrastructure development.
“All projects in the province are closely monitored by the Office of the Provincial Engineer together with our Inspectorate Unit to ensure compliance with quality standards,” Engr. Esparagosa said.
He also clarified that there are no cases of overpricing in the province’s ongoing flood control projects.
“For our flood control initiatives, we make sure that all projects are implemented within the original plans and allocated budgets,” he added.
The Provincial Engineer reaffirmed the office’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and quality service, consistent with the Provincial Government’s brand of public service, “Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo.”
In recent years, South Cotabato has seen significant progress in flood control infrastructure. In 2024, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) website reported a completed 370-meter, 5-meter-high concrete revetment along the Silway River in Barangay Maligo, Polomolok, designed to prevent overflow, erosion, and flood damage during heavy rains.
Moreover, under the national government’s Build Build Build program in 2020, around ₱345.7 million worth of flood control structures—including protective dikes—were completed across nine barangays, including Namnama in Koronadal City, Rang-ay and San Jose in Banga, Dajay in Surallah, and Puti in Norala.
