DPWH to use drones in monitoring infra projects

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) intends to monitor infrastructure projects throughout the country using high-tech gadgets like drones to defeat graft and corruption and increase transparency. 

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said yesterday his department observes zero tolerance as it ventures into the “golden age of infrastructure,” its most ambitious program yet, with a larger budget of P430 billion for 2017. 

“Ayaw na ayaw ng President ng corrupt (The President really hates corruption),” Villar said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum.

The drones, procured at P50,000 each, are being utilized for better inspection of construction sites and infrastructure.

With its aerial feature, the drone systematically monitors the implementation of projects.

“Iba kung kita (It’s different if you see) aerial in roads or right of ways,” Villar said. “Every region has a drone. Mas ma-appreciate namin (We will better appreciate) alignment of projects if there is drone technology.”

“Even I use it for inspection,” he added.

By law, the drones are all registered with the National Telecommunications Commission.

The Project and Contract Management Application (PCMA), a specific software which replaced the previous DPWH Monitoring System, is also implemented by the agency for management and monitoring. Satellite and geo-tagging are utilized, with locations of project site pictures registered in the software. 

This is to ensure better transparency, with every stage of completion monitored by the PCMA software, Villar said.            

Villar also said the DPWH won’t hesitate to blacklist contractors who fail to meet the standards of DPWH, especially those engaged in corruption.