Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Andrea Taguines

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has signed a new department order that strengthens performance-based criteria in the appointment and promotion of regional and district officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).The measure is part of ongoing reforms within the agency following allegations of corruption involving flood control projects, which some say were carried out through the alleged collusion of some politicians and DPWH officials.According to Dizon, apart from the basic requirements, the agency will now be stricter in monitoring the following criteria:- timely and quality repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other projects, including flood control structures- quick response to damage caused by man-made calamities and natural disasters- timely and quality completion of projects“They will be judged by this. Pagka sila ay hindi pumasa dito, tanggal sila o papalitan sila immediately. Every year, ang magiging measurement nito,” warned Dizon.On the other hand, Dizon said the policy is also meant to encourage rank-and-file employees, emphasizing that hard work and competence will be rewarded.“If you are qualified, if you work hard, you will get noticed, and you will be promoted,” he added.<div>‘DATI, KAILANGAN NG BACKER’</div>Also present during the press conference were the first batch of merit-based promotions made under Dizon’s leadership.They include:* Arnold D. Ocampo as officer in charge (OIC) Regional Director in Region 3* Abdul Motalib 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 1st District Office* Priscilla B. Jebulan of Sorsogon (TBD)Speaking to reporters, Kansi said this was a proud moment for him after working in the DPWH for 21 years.He also tried to apply for a promotion 10 times but was never picked despite acing the required exams.The problem, he said, was that he did not have the necessary political backing or recommendation from a politician.“Yung system before, kailangan mo ng padrino. Every time nag-uusap kami ng top management, sinasabi sa&#x27;kin is you need to be endorsed by your kakilalang politicians. Frustrating siya sa part namin lalo’t mga ordinaryong mamamayan kami tsaka empleyado,” he said.Kansi also believes that, in the past, carrying out your duties faithfully would have resulted in fewer chances to climb the ranks.“I’ve been a Construction Chief tsaka Materials Testing Chief. Strict nga lang talaga ako, yun siguro ang dahilan kaya hindi ako napo-promote… But (with) this kind of administration na meron tayo (ngayon), baka pwede nating gawin yan, na isaayos yung dapat ayusin,” he added.Meanwhile, Dizon noted that Benig was promoted after she led the team that successfully rebuilt storm-hit classrooms in Masbate last year in just a little over a month.“Tuwang tuwa ako, ang bilis nilang nagawa. Never nangyari yun. Usually ang mga classroom pagkatapos ng disaster, baka 1 to 2 years bago magawa yan… That caught our attention, and now we are promoting her,” he said.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has signed a new department order that strengthens performance-based criteria in the appointment and promotion of regional and district officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has signed a new department order that strengthens performance-based criteria in the appointment and promotion of regional and district officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Dizon: Appointments, promotions of officials in DPWH to be performance-based, not on who you know

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Dizon: Appointments, promotions of officials in DPWH to be performance-based, not on who you know

Andrea Taguines,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 17, 2026 01:19 AM PHT

Read More:

DPWH

internal cleansing

corruption

flood control

reforms

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