Concerns raised over lack of Bicolano appointments in DPWH

By Manly M. Ugalde

LEGAZPI CITY --- Local leaders and public works insiders are expressing concern over the continued absence of Bicolano engineers in top leadership positions within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office in Bicol, despite the region’s consistent high performance in national evaluations.

In a pattern that began in 2009, when the last Bicolano regional director retired, Malacañang has appointed six regional directors from other regions to head DPWH Bicol. The current regional director, Engr. Virgilio Eduarte from the Visayas, has served since 2019.

While DPWH Bicol has been repeatedly cited for excellence in project implementation over the decades, the region continues to carry the burden of a long-standing negative image, once described in previous assessments—including those from the former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC)—as having serious issues of internal corruption. These assessments pointed to allegations of “insider-contractors” operating with the knowledge or involvement of officials from various levels.

Despite such concerns, insiders say performance ratings have not diminished the region’s achievements, particularly prior to 2009, when Engr. Orlando Roces, a native of Daraga, Albay, led the regional office and earned consistent commendations from the DPWH central management.

The recent appointment of Engr. Annie Dela Vega, a former district engineer from Region XIII (Caraga), as Assistant Regional Director (ARD) has renewed discussions about regional representation. Dela Vega replaced ARD Brigildo Fabia, who opted for early retirement. Local officials noted that three Bicolano engineers, all qualified and with commendable records, were bypassed for the position.

Among the few Bicolanos who held ARD posts since 2009 are Engr. Walter Lubiano of Sorsogon and Engr. Malou Lacuna of Albay. Lubiano, however, was appointed without a designated assignment—a situation that some described internally as an “ARD at large.”

Adding to the frustration, two Bicolano DPWH personnel were reported to have topped the Civil Service promotional exams for engineers, but still have not been given corresponding appointments.

The late Albay congressman Edcel Lagman had earlier proposed a balancing approach in appointments. “If the regional director is from another region, the assistant should be a Bicolano, or vice versa,” Lagman once said, noting the disaster-prone nature of the Bicol region which requires consistent leadership presence, even during holidays.

Concerns were also raised over past appointments where officials allegedly spent limited time in the region or used the post as a stepping stone to retirement.

Reacting to long-standing concerns, Director Eduarte assured that measures have been implemented to eliminate “insider-contractors” and improve internal transparency. He urged employees to report anomalies, including anonymously, for appropriate action.

The discussion on leadership appointments in the DPWH Bicol comes at a time when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has flagged irregularities in flood control projects nationwide—though no specific new allegations have been raised against the Bicol office under its current leadership.

While the label of corruption has long shadowed the DPWH in the region, stakeholders maintain that a return to balanced and inclusive appointments may help restore both confidence and integrity in its operations.