The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) marked its 127th founding anniversary on Monday, renewing its unwavering commitment to nation-building through excellence, unity, and service. The celebration, held under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” infrastructure initiative, highlighted the agency’s significant progress and future-forward vision.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan underscored that the anniversary was more than just a commemoration of longevity; it was a testament to the agency’s evolution, its enduring purpose, and the dedicated individuals driving its achievements. “This is not just a celebration of how long we have been here — but of how far we have come, and how much further we must go together. It is a celebration of purpose, progress, and most of all, people — each and every DPWH employee who has devoted time, skill, and heart to the service of our nation,” Secretary Bonoan stated.
Secretary Bonoan lauded the DPWH workforce, from engineers and planners to field staff and support personnel, as the agency’s most vital asset. He also acknowledged the department’s consistent ISO 9001:2015 recertification and recognition by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), signaling its dedication to efficiency and superior service.
Under the theme “Kaagapay sa Pag-unlad para sa Bagong Pilipinas” (Partner in Development for a New Philippines), the event solidified the DPWH’s integral role in national development. The DPWH Chief reiterated the agency’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that champions inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind.
Honoring Excellence in Service
As part of the anniversary program, the DPWH recognized its high-performing regional and district engineering offices for their exemplary service in 2024:
- Most Outstanding Regional Office: Regional Office IV-B, led by Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan.
- Second Place (Regional): Regional Office I, headed by Regional Director Ronnel M. Tan.
- Third Place (Regional): Regional Office IX, under Regional Director Cayamombao D. Dia.
At the district level, among 197 offices nationwide:
- Top District Engineering Office: Palawan 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO), under District Engineer Amelia B. Fajardo.
- Second Place (District): Sultan Kudarat 1st DEO, headed by District Engineer Alihar A. Mama.
- Third Place (District): Negros Occidental 2nd DEO, under District Engineer Marivic M. Roldan.
A Month of Engagement and Celebration
The month-long celebration featured a diverse array of community-building and employee engagement activities, including a fun run, tree planting, a government service caravan, an employees’ bazaar, the Engineers’ Olympiad, a golf-for-a-cause, and the Mr. and Ms. DPWH pageant. The festivities culminated in an Employees’ Night. Secretary Bonoan extended his gratitude to the organizers, led by Undersecretary Marichu A. Palafox and the Social Affairs Committee, along with regional and district officials across the nation.
A Call to Action for Accelerated Progress
Looking ahead, Secretary Bonoan issued a powerful call to action to all DPWH personnel: “We must move faster, plan smarter, build stronger. Deliver with speed, serve with purpose, build with integrity, and lead with excellence.” As the Marcos administration enters its second half, he urged the team to intensify their efforts, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and ensure that every project creates a real and lasting impact for the Filipino people.
“Let us move forward with renewed commitment — grounded in honesty, guided by integrity, and driven by service. The Filipino people are watching. The nation is counting on us,” Secretary Bonoan concluded.
