Pacanan exits ICDEO over qualification shortfall

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City District Engineering Office Officer in Charge Roy Pacanan has been relieved of his post as the Department of Public Works and Highways implements a leadership shake-up amid ongoing investigations into alleged flood control anomalies.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said on Monday, Jan. 12, that Pacanan failed to meet the Civil Service Commission’s qualification standards required for district engineers.

Pacanan was among three district engineers relieved for the same reason, Dizon said.

Pacanan was designated officer in charge of the Iloilo City District Engineering Office through a special order dated Aug. 1, 2023.

He succeeded Cesar Hipona Jr., who served as district engineer beginning Jan. 4, 2022.

Dizon said his administration will further tighten and strengthen qualification standards for DPWH officials.

“We will be very, very strict. I will be releasing in the next few days or weeks new merit requirements for all officials of DPWH, especially district engineers, regional directors, and assistant regional directors,” he said.

Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda commended Pacanan’s service, citing his professionalism, technical competence, and integrity during his stint at the district engineering office.

Baronda said Pacanan was not implicated in flood control anomalies, ghost projects, or other irregularities.

She said Pacanan leaves the post with his reputation intact.

“His leadership reflected not only engineering excellence, but also moral courage—choosing fidelity to his sworn duty over submission to political pressure. He served with integrity, independence, and quiet strength,” Baronda said.

Dizon also announced the reassignment of DPWH-6 Officer in Charge Regional Director Jose Al Fruto to a regional office yet to be finalized.

He said Denise Maria Ayag, regional director of the Negros Island Region, will be reassigned to Region 6.

DPWH-6 Officer in Charge Assistant Regional Director Ricardo Gutierrez will remain in his post.

Gutierrez was designated on Oct. 16, 2025, while Fruto was named officer in charge through a special order dated Sept. 30, 2025.

Dizon said the leadership changes form part of a broader effort to address concerns within the DPWH.

He added that four regional directors, two assistant regional directors, and several district engineers were relieved on Monday for various reasons, including ongoing internal investigations.