Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Monday, october 20, the appointment of Lara Esquibel as the new Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Undersecretary for Convergence and Technical Services, alongside plans to promote deserving employees and regularize long-time job order workers within the agency.

In a speech before DPWH employees, Dizon emphasized his trust in Esquibel, who previously headed the Bureau of Design, noting her competence and integrity.

“She has my full trust and confidence. kung ikaw ay masipag, kung ikaw ay magaling, kung ikaw ay hardworking, at most importantly kung ikaw ay honest, aangat ka sa departamentong ito,” Dizon said.

Esquibil replaced former Undersecretary Arrey Perez, who resigned from his post last Friday after being linked to several contractors, according to Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste.

Meanwhile, the DPWH chief also revealed that nearly 2,000 vacancies, specifically 1,993 positions across the country are set to be filled, prioritizing promotion from within the agency, including long-serving job order personnel.

“I want to tell you that ang priority natin para punuan ang mga iba't ibang posisyon na ito ay sa loob ng DPWH. Gusto ko pong mag-promote at mag-angat,” he said.

“Unang-una, iangat muna natin ang mga deserving, honest, hardworking people already in DPWH kasama na po ang mga job order employees natin ngayon. Hindi porket job order kayo ng napakatagal na panahon, e wala kayong karapatan at oportunidad para umangat. Kayo po ang uunahin natin,” he added.

Dizon assured that detailed guidelines for the promotion and hiring process will be disseminated in the coming days.

Dizon further addressed the issue of delayed salary payments, warning that such lapses would not be tolerated.

“Hindi po pwede hindi kayo sinaswelduhan ng tama at ng on time,” he stressed.

He reiterated the Marcos administration’s call for integrity and reform in government service, urging DPWH personnel to focus on performance and accountability rather than words.

“Magtrabaho po tayo ng todo-todo at most importantly, magtrabaho po tayo ng matuwid,” Dizon concluded with encouragement to DPWH employees to continue their work with dedication as the agency pushes reform initiatives nationwide.