A terminal structure made largely of bamboo at the Dahican Terminal Complex in Mati City has gone viral on social media, igniting intense public discussion about government spending, construction standards, and accountability. The project, valued at nearly ₱7 million, has drawn attention after netizens questioned whether the cost is justified based on the structure’s visible materials and design.
According to the widely shared post, “TAN-AWA | DAHICAN TERMINAL COMPLEX – PROJECT NGA IYA SA NILABAY NGA ADMINISTRASYON, NAGBALOR OG ₱6.9 MILLION…”, the terminal is located along the roadside near the entrance of Amihan Public Beach in Barangay Dahican, Mati City. Project documents displayed on-site indicate that construction began on January 7, 2025, with a target completion date of February 10, 2026. The total project cost is listed at ₱6,904,535.58, funded through a loan from the Landbank of the Philippines.
What triggered public reaction is the appearance of the structure itself. Photos show that the terminal is primarily made of bamboo, with only a few concrete posts and a cemented floor. Many residents and online users are questioning whether such materials align with the nearly ₱7-million price tag, especially given current economic challenges and competing public needs.
The post also raises deeper concerns about the contractor’s qualifications and capacity. Under government procurement rules, contractors must meet requirements such as the Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC) to ensure they have the financial and technical ability to complete a project. While these standards are evaluated during the bidding process, problems can emerge when contractors take on multiple projects simultaneously without proper monitoring.
This has led to further questions: Is the contractor “Healthy Construction” financially and technically capable? Was the project subcontracted? Were procurement rules fully followed? In a period when infrastructure anomalies across the country are being widely exposed, the Dahican Terminal Complex has become a symbol of citizens’ growing demand for transparency and responsible use of public funds.
Residents of Mati, often referred to as Matinians, argue that they deserve clear explanations from authorities. They believe the project should not only meet technical specifications but also reflect prudent spending of taxpayers’ money.
As the project nears its completion deadline, many are calling for local officials and oversight agencies to provide clarity on how the ₱6.9 million was allocated and whether the construction truly represents value for the community it is meant to serve.