Mandate

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is one of the three departments of the government undertaking major infrastructure projects. The DPWH is mandated to undertake (a) the planning of infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, flood control, water resources projects and other public works, and (b) the design, construction, and maintenance of national roads and bridges, and major flood control systems.  These activities are undertaken in support of the national development objectives as envisioned in the 2004-2010 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan(MTPDP) with focus on meeting the President’s 10–point Agenda or specific program of action enunciated in Her Excellency’s inaugural speech on June 30, 2004.

Functions

The  Department of Public Works and Highways functions as the engineering and construction arm of the Government tasked to continuously develop its technology for the purpose of ensuring the safety of all infrastructure facilities and securing for all public works and highways the highest efficiency and quality in construction.  

DPWH is currently responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, especially the national highways, flood control and water resources development system, and other public works in accordance with national development objectives.