Pacanan lacked experience to lead ICDEO — Dizon

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The outgoing officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City District Engineering Office, lacked the experience needed to continue leading the local office responsible for implementing projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, according to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

Dizon said Engr. Roy Pacanan’s lack of experience was compounded by his failure to meet the Civil Service Commission’s qualification standards for district engineers, which ultimately led to his relief from the post.

“Now we have to be very strict about the qualifications of DPWH officials. Being strong to someone doesn’t automatically make you qualified. That is the problem,” Dizon said Monday, Jan. 19.

Dizon emphasized that the appointment and retention of DPWH officials must be grounded on merit and professional qualifications.

“We are even considering additional requirements to ensure that appointees perform well and remain in their positions,” he said.

He stressed that the performance of officials is a key factor considered by the DPWH before relieving regional directors, assistant regional directors, and district engineers.

As an example, Dizon said projects that fail to progress for five years under the same leadership raise serious questions about whether an official should continue heading an office.

“Merit is a must. To stay in your position, you have to justify it by performing well,” he said.

When asked to comment specifically on Pacanan’s performance, Dizon said he could not yet do so because he had not received a formal report on the matter.

Dizon also confirmed that DPWH Region 6 officer in charge Regional Director Jose Al Fruto and DPWH Negros Island Region Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag are set to swap leadership roles this week.

The leadership changes come as the DPWH continues to review qualifications and performance standards to improve project implementation and accountability across its regional and district offices.