By: Cali Demi
MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has announced a sweeping reorganization of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), aiming to complete a full overhaul of officials—from top-level executives to district engineers—within the next 60 days.
The bold move comes in direct response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to rid the agency of corruption and inefficiency, a long-standing issue that has plagued the DPWH.
“This is a complete reset. We are following the President’s marching orders to cleanse the DPWH and restore public trust,” Dizon said during a press briefing on Monday.
As a first step, Dizon ordered all ranking officials—undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, service directors, regional directors, and district engineers—to submit their courtesy resignations. The resignations will allow a transition period as a screening process determines who will be retained or replaced.
The reorganization process is expected to be completed within 30 to 60 days, during which time Dizon’s office will review qualifications, assess performance records, and weed out individuals linked to corruption and poor project implementation.
The DPWH overhaul is being closely watched as a litmus test of the Marcos administration’s commitment to genuine bureaucratic reform. In recent years, the department has come under fire for alleged “ghost projects,” rigged bidding, and substandard infrastructure developments.
“We need honest, competent, and efficient public servants. This reorganization will ensure that only those who meet these standards remain in service,” Dizon said.
An independent committee is also expected to assist in vetting candidates and ensuring transparency in the selection process for new leadership roles within the department.
The DPWH currently oversees thousands of infrastructure projects across the country, including flagship programs under the “Build Better More” initiative. With billions in public funds at stake, the reorganization is seen as crucial to safeguarding taxpayer money and delivering quality public infrastructure.
