Dizon tightens standards for DPWH officials’ promotions

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday said he will sign a new department order requiring that appointments and promotions in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) be based on performance instead of political referrals.

In a press conference, Dizon explained that regional directors, district engineers, assistant district engineers, and other officials will be evaluated using three key criteria: timely and quality completion of projects, proper repair and maintenance of roads and bridges, and quick response to damage caused by natural or man-made disasters.

“If there is a damaged road, potholes, or a broken flood-control structure, repairs and maintenance must be fast and of good quality. If they fail in this, they will be removed and immediately replaced,” Dizon said in Filipino.

He added that once the department order is signed, the performance of officials will be reviewed annually to determine their eligibility for promotion or continued service.

Dizon also announced the first batch of newly promoted officials, including Arnold D. Ocampo as officer in charge-regional director in Region 3, Abdul Motalib P. Kansi Jr. as assistant district engineer in Sarangani, Adeltrudes V. Catanes as district engineer in Romblon, Elvie L. Benig as assistant district engineer in Masbate, Kenneth Edward T. Fernando as OIC-district engineer in Bulacan first district office, and Priscilla B. Jebulan as district engineer in Sorsogon.

The move follows the recent relief of several DPWH officials, such as former Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara and assistant engineer Brice Hernandez, who are facing criminal charges in connection with alleged flood control corruption anomalies.