New DPWH District Engineer assigned to Catanduanes

VIRAC, Catanduanes – A female engineer from the Visayas region has been designated as the new officer-in-charge (OIC) district engineer for the Catanduanes District Engineering Office, replacing Engineer Simon Arias, who requested reassignment and was placed on floating status.

Engineer Vivian Biago, reportedly from Northern Samar, has accepted the post — a position previously declined by several others, according to sources familiar with internal DPWH assignments. The province's engineering office has been considered one of the most challenging assignments in the region due to administrative and political complexities.

Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. of the TGP Party-list expressed surprise at the replacement, noting the frequent changes in the post. “The province has seen five different district engineers in just three years since 2022,” Teves said. He pointed out that even engineers on floating status have reportedly been reluctant to accept the assignment, despite the availability of promotional opportunities within the region.

The appointment of Engr. Biago comes after a string of short-term tenures by previous district engineers. These include engineers who, for various reasons, requested relief or reassignment from the post within a few months. Some of their departures reportedly coincided with the transfer of bidding activities for major infrastructure projects from the provincial to the regional office, a move attributed to administrative streamlining.

Engr. Arias, who previously served in Masbate, was appointed in late 2024. Sources say he had requested reassignment shortly after assuming office. His case followed the departure of two other engineers who had served in Catanduanes in 2023.

Teves emphasized that the high turnover is affecting project continuity in the province. “It’s important that engineers are supported in their work and allowed to carry out their duties without unnecessary disruption,” he said.

The appointment of a new governor, Dr. Patrick Azanza — former president of Catanduanes State University — has also marked a shift in local leadership. He succeeded former Vice Governor Peter Cua. The Cua family had been a prominent political presence in the province for over two decades.

“I hope Engineer Biago will be given the support she needs to serve the province effectively,” Rep. Teves added.