DPWH appoints Bicolana assistant regional director

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado of the Department of Public Works in Highways (DPWH) appointed a Bicolana from Masbate province as assistant regional director for the department’s Bicol regional office based in Legazpi City.

Engr. Marilou N. Lacuna took her oath of office before Mercado on March 8, 2022 at the latter’s office in Manila. Her oath-taking coincided with the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

Prior to her appointment, Lacuna was the officer-in-charge (OIC) assistant regional director of DPWH Bicol.

Lucy Castaňeda, DPWH Bicol spokesperson, said that Lacuna is the first ever appointed DPWH female assistant director from Bicol region.

PROUD BICOLANA Engr. Marilou N. Lacuna takes her oath as full-fledged assistant regional director of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol before DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado. (Photo from DPWH Bicol)

“She hails from Cawayan, Masbate and got her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in Bicol University as a working student in DPWH Regional Office 5. Right after graduation, she took and passed the board examination for civil engineers, without enrolling in any review centers,” she said.

Engr. Virgilio C. Eduarte, DPWH Bicol regional director, said that Lacuna’s promotion is remarkable as it coincided with the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

Eduarte who was also promoted to the rank of Civil Executive Service Officer (CESO) III from CESO IV on same day, supported the promotion of Lacuna from being the chief of Planning and Design Division to OIC-assistant regional director to a full-fledged assistant regional director.

“Several Bicolanos held the said position but the last of them was regional director Orlando B. Roces, a Sorsoganon who retired last July 27, 2009. It is high time that a director from this region be given the post,” Eduarte said.

“Appointment of the right people is the key to the achievement of the DPWH mission and vision,” he added. Eduarte also lauded Secretary Mercado for his receptiveness to viable and verifiable recommendations from his key officials and people in the field.