Manila, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reaffirmed its commitment to improving the transparency and monitoring of government infrastructure projects through the continued enhancement of Project DIME (Digital Imaging for Monitoring and Evaluation).
Project DIME is a web-based, real-time monitoring platform that allows the public and government stakeholders to track the implementation and progress of various government-funded infrastructure initiatives, including flood control projects.
In a statement released on Tuesday, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the ongoing system upgrades to strengthen Project DIME and expand its reach and functionality through inter-agency collaboration.
“The public can expect stronger and more efficient online monitoring of government infrastructure projects as we continue to improve Project DIME with the support of more partner agencies,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects, Pangandaman highlighted Project DIME’s technological advancements, including a new feature that enables access to data without the need for satellite technology.
One key development includes the integration of the University of the Philippines (UP) and its Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) into the platform to enhance disaster risk management capabilities.
“Project DIME now features innovations that don’t rely on satellite access and already incorporates UP’s Project NOAH to strengthen hazard assessment,” Pangandaman noted.
In May 2025, the DBM formalized its collaboration with UP and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership aims to bolster Project DIME’s role in integrating disaster risk reduction strategies to ensure government infrastructure is resilient to natural hazards.
A key feature of Project DIME is its citizen participation portal, which allows the public to provide feedback directly through the platform. This supports DBM’s broader goal of improving governance and accountability.
The DBM is also in ongoing discussions with other national agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to enhance the platform’s data integration and monitoring capabilities.
“I’m glad that our efforts are being recognized. We will continue to work closely with other agencies to ensure the success of Project DIME,” Pangandaman added.
Project DIME stands as one of DBM’s flagship digitalization efforts, championing government transparency by providing critical real-time information on:
a. Project status and progress
b. Completion rates
c. Funding sources
d. Implementing agencies
e. Names of contractors
With this initiative, the DBM seeks not only to modernize public infrastructure monitoring but also to empower citizens to take part in ensuring government accountability.—JC Pancho, Contributor